Common traits of meth labs (helpful hint of the day)

MPLS Star & Sickle ^ | 11-17-04 | star tribune

[Rakkasan1]

Methods and chemicals used to produce meth vary widely, but three basic categories are found in Minnesota labs, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

[Rakkasan1]

"• Occupants appear unemployed yet seem to have plenty of money and pay bills in cash."

hell, that could be half the population of the blue counties in MN.

[ReadyNow]

Seems like these liberals are EXTREME polluters.

[Ramonan]

Methods and chemicals used to produce meth vary widely, but three basic categories are found in Minnesota labs, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

• Solvents: acetone, ether, freon, hexane, methanol, toluene, trichloroethane, white gas, xylene

LEFT OUT HYDROIODITIC ACID--KILLS SENSORY ASPECTS(TASTE SMELL) VERY CARCINOGENIC

• Corrosives/irritants: anhydrous ammonia, hydrochloric acid, phosphine, sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium thiosulfate, sulfuric acid (drain cleaner)

• Metals/salts: iodine, lithium metal, red phosphorus, yellow phosphorus, sodium metal( EXTREMELY EXPLOSIVE)

Signs of a potential meth lab

• Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night

• Occupants have extensive security, video surveillance, baby monitors or signs intended to keep people off the property

• Windows blackened or curtains always drawn

• Chemical odors coming from the house, garbage or detached buildings

• Garbage containing numerous bottles, containers or materials such as ephedrine, alcohol, kitty litter, lithium batteries, fertilizer, compressed gas cylinders, acetone and other chemical remnants

• Coffee filters, bed sheets or other materials stained from filtering red phosphorous or other chemicals

• Occupants set garbage for pickup in another collection area

• Evidence of chemical or waste dumping such as burn pits or dead spots in a yard

• Occupants seem suspicious, secretive, paranoid or unfriendly. USUALLY HYPER,NERVOUS,AND PARANOID.

• Occupants appear unemployed yet seem to have plenty of money and pay bills in cash.

What to do if you suspect a meth lab

• Do not try to confront someone you suspect to be cooking meth, rather report concerns to local police or sheriff's office immediately. If you inadvertently enter a lab, leave immediately.

[MidlandDesperado]

Who ever said "Better life through chemistry" must have been a crack head.

[clee1]

Especially remember the last line.

Meth labs are dangerous places, similar to hazardous waste dumps. Depending on the method of manufacture, they can also be an explosive environment - a small spark can create a MASSIVE detonation.

[Jim_Curtis]

sodium hydroxide (lye)

Tragic. The lye-soaked cod ( lutefisk ) is a gateway to this horrid addiction for the Minnesota kids.

[Liaison]

Though houses or permanent buildings are normally used in cooking this CR*P, be carefull when you are out in the woods. Rolling meth labs are becoming more popular. Mix the ingredients in a bucket or plastic jug on some back road, leave it hidden, and when done come back and collect the good stuff and leave the rest in the woods.
I found one once and had to go to the hospital for chemical inhalation but no lasting damage. Makes an HAZMAT scene that has to be cleaned up/neutralized by the fire department in chemical suits. Nasty stuff.

[MohawkDrums]

Tweakers everywhere, it's really getting out of hand.