12 CLUES FOR RECOGNIZING METH LABS

1. The mixing of unusual chemicals in a house, garage or barn by persons not involved in the chemical industry.
2. Possession of unusual materials such as large amounts of over-the-counter allergy/cold/diet medications (containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine), or large quantities of solvents such as Acetone, Coleman Fuel, Toluene, etc.
3. The possession of chemical glassware by someone not involved in the chemical field.
4. Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.
5. Late night secretive activity in a rural/farm area. Lots of traffic: People coming and going at unusual times. There may be little traffic during the day, but at night, the activity increases dramatically.
6. Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).
7. Residences with operating fans in windows in cold weather.
8. Residences with windows blacked out.
9. Renters who pay their landlord in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)
10. Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: Antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.
11. Chemical odors coming from sheds, outbuildings, other structures, fields, orchards, campsites, or especially vehicles (older model cars and pickup trucks, vans and rental/moving vans) etc. Items are usually kept covered up in vehicles.
12. Boxes or drums with corrosive, flammable, poison, or other “safety” placards.