Domestic Training
Clandestine Laboratory Training

The Clandestine Laboratory Training Facility is located at Camp Upshur on the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. With the increase in the number of clandestine laboratory seizures throughout the country, there has been a corresponding escalation of problems confronting state and local agencies that are called to the scene of these laboratories. Often, it is state or local police who first encounter these laboratories and must ensure that they are investigated, dismantled, and disposed of appropriately.

The DEA Basic Clandestine Laboratory Certification School is the most widely recognized law enforcement-sponsored clandestine laboratory training course meeting OSHA standards. It is available for DEA Special Agents and state and local officers throughout the United States and abroad. The DEA Clandestine Laboratory Training Unit also conducts an Advanced Site Safety Officer School for DEA and state and local officers. This school is designed to certify attendees as Clandestine Laboratory Site Safety Officers, an OSHA requirement for every clandestine laboratory site. Advanced assessment and investigative techniques are taught at this school.

Because of the unique circumstances involving the actual raiding of a clandestine laboratory site, it was determined that there was a need for tactical training specifically designed for clandestine laboratory operations. The Clandestine Laboratory Tactical Training School was developed in FY 2000 and is designed for Special Agents and narcotics officers who are involved in clandestine laboratory raids, but have limited tactical training and experience. Their training includes the full use of issued equipment including air purifying respirators and self contained breathing apparatus.

In addition to the domestic mission of training DEA Special Agents and state and local law enforcement personnel, the Clandestine Laboratory Training Unit provides First Responder/Awareness training and a First Responder/Awareness Train-the-Trainer Program to officers throughout the United States and law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

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