Spring 2006

HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE A METH LAB

Hoosier landowners need to know about "meth." Indiana ranks in the top three states with this problem and is set to shatter last year’s record of over 1700 meth labs seized. Meth costs the state over $100 million annually. Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. The drug is made in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients.

The Committee for a Drug Free Indiana reports that 28% of meth labs seized are open air labs. It is possible that your property, especially if you are an absentee landowner, could be used for the production of meth. Look and smell for: unusual strong odors like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals. Be suspicious of buildings with blacked out windows. You may find a variety of trash, including large amounts of antifreeze containers, iodine, paint thinner, lantern fuel cans; red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner bottles, propane cylinders, matches, hot plates, cold tablet packaging, tubing, mason jars and other glass bottles filled with liquids.

Environmental damage is another problem created by meth labs. Most laboratory operators dispose of toxic waste by dumping it down drains or in rural roads and fields. Each pound of meth produced leaves behind five or six pounds of toxic waste. Chlorinated solvents and other toxic byproducts used to make meth pose long-term hazards because they can persist in soil and groundwater for years.

If you suspect a meth lab on your property, call your local police. DO NOT touch or move any items. These items should be dealt with by trained and equipped hazardous material experts. For further information on meth labs, visit www.methfreeindiana.org .

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