How to Recognize a Drug Lab
How to Recognize a Drug Lab
There
are numerous types of illicit drugs that can be manufactured by persons
outside of a chemistry lab. They include methamphetamine, LSD, fentanyl,
GHB, aesthesia (MDMA), and other drugs. The manufacturing methods vary
even among persons manufacturing the same exact drug. Methamphetamine
is the most commonly manufactured illegal drug. Approximately 95% of
the illicit drug labs seized in California over the last 10 years were
methamphetamine labs. There are currently four common methods to manufacture
methamphetamine.
The
manufacturing of LSD is a complicated process that requires sophisticated
chemical apparatus. The average person is not going to casually observe
someone making LSD. The average person does have a chance of observing
someone manufacturing methamphetamine. Methamphetamine labs can range
from ones using highly specialized chemical apparatus to one where kitchen
pots and pans, canning jars and other common household items are employed
in the manufacturing process.
Because
of the varied types of methamphetamine labs, an explanation of exactly
what to look for could consume volumes of pages. The easiest way for
someone to tell if what they have observed is an illicit drug lab is
to look for the following indicators.
Clues
1.
The mixing of unusual chemicals in a house, garage or barn by persons
not involved in the chemical industry.
2. Late night secretive activity in a rural/farm area.
3. The possession of chemical glassware by someone not involved in the
chemical field.
4. Possession of unusual chemicals, such as large quantities of MEK,
Coleman Fuel7, Toulene, Acetone or cold/allergy medications.
Now
That You Think You've Discovered a Lab, Who Do You Call?
If
you suspect that someone is illegally manufacturing drugs you should
try to identify as many chemicals as possible, without placing yourself
in danger, and call your local narcotics unit. The Narcotics units are
part of your local police or sheriff's department or can be contacted
through them. There are several photos of drug labs on this web site.
Please look at them for your personal knowledge, but remember that a
lab can be made to look like ordinary kitchen cooking items.
Hawaii
Police Department
Vice Section
Hilo - (808) 961-2258
Kona - (808) 326-4240
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