Signs of a Crystal Meth Lab

Note: Crystal Meth can be manufactured using a variety of household items. If labs are found or suspected, contact the local police for assistance. Clandestine labs are extremely dangerous. Many of the chemicals found in these labs are very corrosive or flammable. The vapors that evolve from the chemical reactions attack mucous membranes, skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Some chemicals will react with water or other chemicals, or may cause a fire or an explosion.

Clandestine Lab Indicators / Materials:

• A large amount of cold tablet containers that list Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine as ingredients.
• Jars containing clear liquid with a white colored solid on the bottom.
• Jars labeled as containing Red Phosphorous or a fine, dark red or purple powder.
• Jars labeled as containing Iodine or with dark shiny metallic purple crystals inside.
• Coffee filters containing a white pasty substance, a dark red sludge or small amounts of shiny white crystals.
• Bottles labeled as containing Sulfuric Acid or Hydrochloric Acid.
• Bottles or jars with rubber tubes attached.
• Glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue.
• An unusually large number of cans of camping fuel, paint thinner, acetone or starter fluid. Lye and drain cleaners containing Sulfuric Acid or bottles containing Muriatic Acid.
• Large amounts of lithium batteries, especially ones that have been stripped.
• Soft silver or gray metallic ribbon (in chunk form) stored in oil or kerosene.
• Propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue.
• Occupants of residence going outside to smoke.
• Strong smell or urine or unusual chemical smells like ether, ammonia or acetone.

Houses:

• Windows covered (cardboard, black plastic) for complete privacy.
• Lights left on for long periods.
• Activity during all hours of the day and night, or continuous for several days.
• Drug paraphernalia scattered in the area.
• Porch lights coded to indicate when drugs are available.
• Dogs used to guard a house with these signs.

Traffic:

• Heavy traffic or foot traffic at all times of the day and night.
• People and cars stay for a short period of time.
• Taxis used to avoid license plate identification.

Caution: all of these signs need to be taken in context - don't overreact to any individual indicator you may see.

Source of information: Drug Enforcement Administration Clandestine Laboratory Team, DEA Academy, Quantico, VA.