Although Methamphetamine can be produced or cooked in many different locations there are certain warning signs that may indicate a drug house
Curtains always drawn or windows covered with aluminium foil or blackened on residences, garages, sheds, or other structures may be signs of methamphetamine production
Making or cooking methamphetamine requires minimal training and experience and limited amounts of equipment and chemicals, both of which are relatively inexpensive. Meth Labs can be found in almost any location, from houses, apartments, cars, rental storage units and motorhomes.
There are many external recognition clues alluding to a meth lab. A house or other structure containing a meth lab usually has one or more of the following characteristics.
WARNING SIGNS OF A METH LAB: UNUSUAL ODOURS
Producing methamphetamine produces powerful odours that may smell like ammonia or ether. These odours have been compared to the smell of cat urine or rotten eggs.
WARNING SIGNS OF A METH LAB: COVERED WINDOWS
Methamphetamine ‘cooks’ often blacken or cover windows to prevent outsiders from seeing in.
WARNING SIGNS OF A METH LAB: STRANGE VENTILATION
Clandestine Drug Lab operators often employ unusual ventilation practices to rid themselves of toxic fumes produced by the methamphetamine production process
Clandestine Drug Lab operators often employ unusual ventilation practices to rid themselves of toxic fumes produced by the methamphetamine production process. They may open windows on cold days or at other seemingly inappropriate times, and they may set up fans, furnace blowers, and other unusual ventilation systems.
WARNING SIGNS OF A METH LAB: ELABORATE SECURITY
Meth makers often set up elaborate security measures, including, for example, Keep Out signs, guard dogs, video cameras, or baby monitors placed outside to warn of persons approaching the premises.
WARNING SIGNS OF A METH LAB: DEAD VEGETATION
Meth cooks sometimes dump toxic substances in their yards, leaving burn pits, dead spots in the grass or vegetation, or other evidence of chemical dumping.
WARNING SIGNS OF A METH LAB: EXCESSIVE OR UNUSUAL TRASH
Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers, coffee filters or pieces of cloth that are stained red can indicate a drug lab
Methamphetamine cooks produce large quantities of unusual waste that can contain the following:
- packaging from cold tablets
- lithium batteries that have been broken apart
- used coffee filters with coloured stains or powdery residue
- empty containers often with puncture holes of antifreeze, white gas, ether, starting fluids, Freon, lye, drain opener, paint thinner, acetone, alcohol, or other chemicals
- plastic bottles with tubes coming out of the holes
- plastic or rubber hoses, duct tape, rubber gloves, or respiratory masks
If you suspect that someone in your neighbourhood is operating a methamphetamine laboratory, report your concerns to the local police department immediately. For your own safety, do not investigate the suspected laboratory or confront the occupants. In addition to the hazards discussed above, many laboratories are equipped with security devices or booby traps that could cause serious injuries or death.
Contact Meth Lab Cleaners Australia today on 1300246429 or complete the online inquiry form. We understand that having a meth contaminated property is highly stressful, confusing and costly experience for all involved. To discuss the clean up or testing of a suspected meth lab, contact Meth Lab Cleaners Australia today.
