What is Methamphetamine?
What are the Symptoms of
a Meth User?
How do I
recognize a Methamphetamine lab?
Many people may be unaware that
they're living near a meth lab. Here are some things to look for:
- Unusual, strong
odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).
- Residences with windows
blacked out.
- Open windows
vented with fans during the winter.
- Renters who pay their landlords in cash.
(Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)
- Lots of
traffic - people coming and going at unusual times. There may be little traffic
during the day, but at night the activity increases dramatically.
- Excessive
trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern
fuel cans, engine starting fluid cans, HEET cans, lithium batteries and empty battery
packages, wrappers, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.
- Unusual
amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.
Additionally, many of
the chemicals can be found in common household items such as lantern fuel, cleaners,
acetone, muriatic acid, and diet pills.
 Coffee Filter with residue from meth
manufacture process.
There are many
different methods for producing methamphetamine. Each method has its own inherent dangers.
Many of the chemicals used are caustic or corrosive, and some of the processes create
noxious and harmful fumes.
One step used in the production of meth
If you suspect a meth lab, leave at once and report it.
- Do not open any coolers.
- Do not touch any items.
- Handling methamphetamine waste
residue can burn your skin and eyes, and breathing in the gases can send you to the
hospital.
- Handling these chemicals with
unprotected skin, or getting the dust in your eyes can cause serious damage.
To avoid the
possibility of fire, explosion, death or serious illness, only trained and properly
equipped workers can dismantle a lab and take the remnants away for disposal.
Presence of
the following items could indicate the existence of a meth lab:
Alcohol
Ether
Benzene
Toluene/Paint Thinner
Freon
Acetone
Chloroform
Camp Stove Fuel/Coleman Fuel |
Starting
Fluid
Anhydrous Ammonia
"Heet"
White Gasoline
Phenyl-2-Propane
Phenylacetone
Phenylpropanolamine
Iodine Crystals |
Red Phosphorous
Black Iodine
Lye (Red Devil Lye)
Drano
Muriatic/Hydrochloric Acid
Battery Acid/Sulfuric Acid
Epsom Salts
Batteries/Lithium |
Sodium
Metal
Wooden Matches
Propane Cylinders
Diet Aids |
Hot Plates
Ephedrine (over-the-counter)
Cold Tablets |
Bronchodialators
Energy Boosters
Rock Salt
|
Weapons
Weapons are very common
in meth labs. People who use meth are very paranoid about everything. they are worried
that they will be caught by law enforcement and will use any means to not get caught.
Home Drug Testing Kits
If you suspect a
meth lab in your neighborhood, call the
Jefferson County Municipal Enforcement Group Drug Task Force
(636)
931-6011 |