Do You Know What's Cooking In Your Neighborhood?

Have you ever wondered if there is a methamphetamine lab in your neighborhood? Many people may be unaware that they are living near a meth lab or other type of drug house. Meth labs turn up in houses, barns, closets, motel rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, campers and even in the back of pickup trucks. The equipment for a meth lab can be so small it will fit in a duffle bag or the trunk of a car.

Here are some things to look for in identifying a meth lab. If you have seen some of this activity, contact your local law enforcement agency. Recording the information will give law enforcement the necessary information to help rid your neighborhood of any drug house.

What has been observed:

• Noxious odors or unusually strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals) coming from around the house or apartment.
• Lots of traffic, coming and going at odd hours. Traffic is usually quick and people stay only a short time. Some will have someone from the house meet them at the street. May not be much during day; increases at night.
• Finding drug paraphernalia (syringes, pipes, baggies, etc.) in the area.
• Repeated, observable exchange of items, especially where money is visible.
• Offers to sell you drugs, or conversations about drugs that your overhear.
• Seems extreme security measures have been taken, such as video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing).
• No owner or primary renter is apparent — no home activities (yard work, maintenance, painting, etc.) seem to go on.
• No visible means of support or regular schedule.
• 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., or sealed shut.
• High electric or water bills for a rental property.
• Purchasing large quantities of acetone, Drano, matches, alcohol, lye, fuel, etc.
• Several boxes of cold/sinus tablets.
• Several packs of lithium batteries.
• Coffee grinders (white residue instead of brown).
• Filthy living conditions.
• No trespassing signs posted.
• Renters who pay their landlords in cash.
• Persons exiting home to smoke.
• Little or no mail or furniture.

Presence of the following items could indicate the existence of a meth lab:

• Alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing)
• Ether
• Benzene
• Toluene/Paint Thinner
• Freon
• Acetone
• Chloroform
• Camp Stove Fuel/Coleman Fuel
• Starting Fluid
• Anhydrous Ammonia
• Heet and Iso-Heet, gasoline additives
• White Gasoline
• Iodine (both liquid and crystal)
• Red Phosphorous
• Black Iodine
• Lye (Red Devil Lye)
• Drain cleaner (Drano)
• Battery Acid/Sulfuric Acid
• Epsom Salts
• Lithium batteries
• Sodium and Lithium Metal
• Wooden Matches
• Propane Cylinders
• Hot Plates
• Cold Tablets containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (over-the-counter)
• Energy Boosters
• Salt (table or rock)
• Diet Aids
• Bleach

Equipment commonly associated with meth labs:

• Aluminum foil
• Blenders
• Glassware, including Pyrex dishes
• Cheesecloth
• Cotton balls
• Electric portable hot plates, single & double
• Jugs
• pH test strips
• Pressure cookers
• Rubber/Latex gloves
• Turkey basting wand
• Bed sheets
• Bottles (pop, milk, water)
• Camp stoves
• Coffee filters
• Duct tape
• Gas cans
• Plastic tubing
• Propane tanks and thermos
• Strainers

What are the Public Health Issues?

Meth production yields hazardous waste byproducts. These chemicals include acids, red phosphorous, drain cleaner, solvents, battery acid, antifreeze, lye and metals. They can cause severe acute and chronic health effects, have extreme potential for fire and explosion, and are caustic and corrosive. Most excess chemicals and byproducts are dumped onto the ground or poured into septic systems or public sewage systems.

Prevention is the best way to stop drug houses!

You can reduce the chance that a drug house will move into your neighborhood. Start a Neighborhood Watch and get to know your neighbors. As problems develop, work with your crime prevention officers to resolve them quickly. Call the Mesa Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 480-644-2300, option 5, if you would like more information on starting a Neighborhood Watch or visit the Web at www.Mesaaz.gov/police/literature/neighbor.aspx.