A methamphetamine laboratory is an illicit operation that has the
apparatus and chemicals needed to produce the powerful stimulant
methamphetamine. (See list of products and equipment.)
These laboratories vary dramatically in size and output. Large
laboratories, known as super labs, produce 10 pounds or more of the
drug per production cycle. Much smaller laboratories--sometimes called
box labs--produce as little as an ounce or less of the drug and are
small enough to fit in a box or backpack.
How common are they?
Methamphetamine laboratories are increasingly prevalent throughout
the United States. In 2002 more than 7,500 laboratories were seized in
44 states, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) El
Paso Intelligence Center National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure
System. While methamphetamine production remains most common in the
western portion of the United States--particularly California--seizures of methamphetamine laboratories in the west central part of
the country have become more commonplace.
Where are methamphetamine laboratories found?
Methamphetamine laboratories may be located virtually anywhere.
Laboratories have been found in secluded rural areas as well as in
residential, commercial, and industrial districts. Law enforcement
officers have seized laboratories at private residences, commercial
properties, hotels and motels, and outdoor locations. Mobile
laboratories have been discovered in automobiles, boats, and luggage.
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What are the signs that a methamphetamine
laboratory may be present?
The following, often in combination, may indicate the presence of a
methamphetamine laboratory:
- Unusual odors (ether, ammonia, acetone, or other chemicals)
- Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers
(see list of products and equipment), coffee
filters or pieces of cloth that are stained red, and duct tape
rolls
- Curtains always drawn or windows covered with aluminum foil or
blackened on residences, garages, sheds, or other structures
- Evidence of chemical waste or dumping
- Frequent visitors, particularly at unusual times
- Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy (no
trespassing or beware of dog signs, fences, large trees or shrubs)
- Secretive or unfriendly occupants
What hazards are associated with them?
The chemicals used to produce methamphetamine are extremely
hazardous. Some are highly volatile and may ignite or explode if mixed
or stored improperly. Fire and explosion pose risks not only to the
individuals producing the drug but also to anyone in the surrounding
area, including children, neighbors, and passersby.
Even when fire or
explosion does not occur, methamphetamine production is dangerous.
Simply being exposed to the toxic chemicals used to produce the drug
poses a variety of health risks, including intoxication, dizziness,
nausea, disorientation, lack of coordination, pulmonary edema, serious
respiratory problems, severe chemical burns, and damage to internal
organs.
Inhalation. Inhaling chemical
vapors and gases resulting from methamphetamine production causes
shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. Exposure to these
vapors and gases may also cause intoxication, dizziness, nausea,
disorientation, lack of coordination, pulmonary edema, chemical
pneumonitis, and other serious respiratory problems when absorbed into
the body through the lungs.
Skin Contact. The chemicals used to
produce methamphetamine may cause serious burns if they come into
contact with the skin.
Ingestion. Toxic chemicals can be
ingested either by consuming contaminated food or beverages or by
inadvertently consuming the chemicals directly. (Young children
present at laboratory sites are at particular risk of ingesting
chemicals.) Ingesting toxic chemicals--or methamphetamine itself--may result in potentially fatal poisoning, internal chemical burns,
damage to organ function, and harm to neurological and immunologic
functioning.
In addition, methamphetamine production threatens the environment.
The average methamphetamine laboratory produces 5 to 7 pounds of toxic
waste for every pound of methamphetamine produced. Operators often
dispose of this waste improperly, simply by dumping it near the
laboratory. This can cause contamination of the soil and nearby water
supplies.
Methamphetamine Laboratory
Hazards
| Chemical |
Hazards |
| Pseudoephedrine |
Ingestion
of doses greater than 240 mg causes hypertension,
arrhythmia, anxiety, dizziness, and vomiting. Ingestion of
doses greater than 600 mg can lead to renal failure and
seizures. |
| Acetone/
ethyl alcohol
|
Extremely
flammable, posing a fire risk in and around the
laboratory. Inhalation or ingestion of these solvents
causes severe gastric irritation, narcosis, or coma. |
| Freon |
Inhalation
can cause sudden cardiac arrest or severe lung damage. It
is corrosive if ingested. |
| Anhydrous
ammonia |
A
colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. Inhalation
causes edema of the respiratory tract and asphyxia. Contact with
vapors damages eyes and mucous membranes. |
| Red
phosphorus |
May
explode as a result of contact or friction. Ignites if
heated above 260° C. Vapor from ignited phosphorus
severely irritates the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes. |
| Hypophosphorous
acid |
Extremely
dangerous substitute for red phosphorus. If overheated,
deadly phosphine gas is released. Poses a serious fire and
explosion hazard. |
| Lithium
metal |
Extremely
caustic to all body tissues. Reacts violently with water
and poses a fire or explosion hazard. |
| Hydriodic
acid |
A
corrosive acid with vapors that are irritating to the
respiratory system, eyes, and skin. If ingested, causes
severe internal irritation and damage that may cause
death. |
| Iodine
crystals |
Give
off vapor that is irritating to respiratory system and
eyes. Solid form irritates the eyes and may burn skin. If
ingested, cause severe internal damage. |
|
Phenylpropanolamine |
Ingestion of
doses greater than 75 mg causes hypertension, arrhythmia,
anxiety, and dizziness. Quantities greater than 300 mg can
lead to renal failure, seizures, stroke, and death. |
|
Source: DEA Office of
Diversion Control. |
|
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What can I do?
If you suspect that someone in your neighborhood is operating a
methamphetamine laboratory, report your concerns to the local police
department or sheriff's office 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.
|
Products Used in Methamphetamine Production |
Acetone
Alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing)
Anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer)
Ephedrine (cold medications)
Ether (engine starter)
Hydrochloric acid (pool supply)
Iodine (flakes or crystal)
Kitty litter
Lithium (batteries)
Methanol (gasoline additive)
MSM (nutritional supplement)
Pseudoephedrine (cold medications)
Red phosphorus (matches or road flares)
Salt (table or rock)
Sodium hydroxide (lye)
Sodium metal
Sulfuric acid (drain cleaner)
Toluene (brake cleaner)
Trichloroethane (gun cleaner) |
| Equipment Used in Methamphetamine
Production |
Aluminum foil
Blenders
Cheesecloth
Clamps
Coffee filters
Funnels
Gas cans
Ice chests
Jugs and bottles
Laboratory beakers and glassware
Measuring cups |
Pails and buckets
Paper towels
Plastic storage containers
Propane cylinders
Rubber gloves
Rubber tubing
Strainers
Tape
Tempered glassware
Thermometer
Towels and bed sheets |
Other products of interest:
- Methamphetamine Fast Facts
- Crystal Methamphetamine Fast Facts
For more information on illicit drugs check out our web site at:
www.usdoj.gov/ndic. Call 814-532-4541 to request NDIC products.
Our addresses:
National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown , PA 15901-1622
Telephone: 814-532-4601
FAX: 814-532-4690
NDIC Washington Liaison Office
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
McLean , VA 22102-3840
Telephone: 703-556-8970
FAX: 703-556-7807
NDIC publications are available on the following web sites:
ADNET http://ndicosa
LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic
RISS ndic.riss.net
INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic
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