Meth Labs are frequencly discovered by the Fire Department when responding to Kitchen and Garage fires.
Once the fire is out, the long process of professional Clean-Up begins
METH LAB CLEAN UP
IS THERE A METH LAB
COOKIN'
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
Many people may may not be aware that they're living near a meth lab. Meth labs turn up in houses, barns, apartments, trailers, campers, cabins and motel rooms – even the backs of pickups. The equipment for a meth lab can be as small as to fit in a duffel bag, a cardboard box or the trunk of a car.
Here are some things to look for in identifying a meth lab:
Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).
Residences with windows blacked out.
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, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.
Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.
Windows blacked out or covered by aluminum foil, plywood, sheets, blankets, etc.
Secretive / protective area surrounding the residence (like video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing).
Persons exiting the structure to smoke
Little traffic during the day, but high traffic at late hours; including different vehicles arriving and staying for short periods of time.
Little or no mail, furniture, visible trash and no newspaper delivery.
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 Hot Plates Ephedrine (over-the-counter) Cold Tablets Bronchodialators Energy Boosters Rock Salt Diet Aids
If you suspect a meth lab in your neighborhood contact The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office:
