Meth Labs: In a Neighbourhood Near You?
Meth Labs: Neighbours You Definitely
Don't Want
Meth Lab Warning Signs
If You Suspect a Meth Lab in your Neighbourhood
Meth Labs: Neighbours You Definitely Don't Want
Crystal meth use is a serious and growing problem in the East Kootenay region. Crystal meth is made in clandestine labs located in family neighbourhoods, apartments, houses, warehouses, vehicles, the woods, hotels, storage lockers and more. If there's one neighbour you don't want it's a crystal meth lab. Here's why:
- Crystal meth is made with simple household products such as: drain cleaners containing sulfuric acid or muriatic acid (cement cleaner), acetone, rubbing alcohol, lithium batteries, iodine, starter fluid (ether), gas additives (methanol), paint thinner, kerosene, lye, red phosphorous (or matches). These chemicals are highly toxic and explosive when they are combined and heated.
- People who are part of the illegal drug business generally only care about their own self-interest. They may own dangerous dogs and fire arms. Their involvement could be gang-related.
Meth labs aren't just dangerous to neighbours; they can be deadly for police and firefighters who may be called to the scene. They may experience shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, burns and even death.
Meth Lab Warning Signs
- People exiting the structure to smoke or eat.
- Less traffic during the day; high traffic at late hours; including different vehicles arriving and staying for short periods of time.
- Lots of foot and vehicle 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: plastic tubing, antifreeze containers, wooden matches, propane cylinders, diet aids, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner, blister packs from cold remedy packages and duct tape.
- Unusual amounts of clear glass containers like Mason jars being brought into the home.
- Windows blacked out or covered by aluminum foil, plywood, blankets, etc.
- Secretive/protective area surrounding the residence (like video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing).
- Little or no mail, furniture, visible trash and no newspaper delivery.
If You Suspect a Meth Lab in Your Neighbourhood
Don't even try to scope out the lab by yourself or confront the people involved. Keep a log of suspicious activities, license plates and other warning signs involving the suspected lab, but don't alert the suspects of your suspicions.
If you find yourself in a meth lab, do not touch anything and leave immediately. This is a highly toxic environment. Don't open any coolers, container or boxes or shut off any electrical supplies.
Call your local police department immediately. In the meantime, keep children away from the area and don't touch anything that might have been used in the meth lab because many items may contain dangerous toxic residue. Don't assume that police aren't interested just because you don't see them. They may be using undercover surveillance.
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