Methamphetamine Awareness

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that is produced and sold illegally in the form of pills, capsules, powder and chunks.  The drug works by artificially stimulating the “reward” or pleasure areas of the user’s brain without causing anything beneficial to happen to the body.  Methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and dependency.  As the user becomes accustomed to the feelings it produces, the user places increased confidence in the drug and less in the normal rewards that life has to offer.  Methamphetamine is most commonly referred to as: meth, crank, crystal, ice, speed, and go fast.

What is a Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory?

Methamphetamine laboratories that are found in this area range from highly sophisticated set ups to makeshift “mom and pop” operations.  The current method of Meth production allows the use of items commonly found in drug stores, supermarkets, feed stores and farm supply outlets.  This makes it possible for almost anyone to set up a Meth lab almost anywhere from homes to barns, apartments, hotel rooms, vehicles and even outdoors in rural areas.  Meth labs are usually operated by novices with little or no knowledge or experience in chemistry.  Recipes for making Meth can be found on the internet and passed along from person to person by word of mouth.  This makes the process very dangerous.

What are the Dangers of Methamphetamine Labs?

Methamphetamine is dangerous to the users, the people making it and even the uninvolved persons in the area of a Meth lab.  The chemicals used to generate the chemical processes to produce the drug can be volatile, caustic and toxic.  The byproducts of the process, produces hazardous waste that is commonly dumped in the area of the lab site to avoid detection.  There have been reports of uninvolved persons in the area of a lab site, becoming ill when they were unknowingly exposed to the toxic fumes from the nearby lab.  

Commonly used items in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine

Most of the chemicals and equipment used to produce Meth can be legally purchased at local retail stores in your area.

cold medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine	acetone	alcohol
ether	drain cleaners containing sulfuric acid	salt
tincture of iodine	"heat" gasoline additive	red devil lye
muriatic acid	liquid propane tanks	paint thinner
match heads	Coleman fuel	iodine crystals
lithium batteries	anhydrous ammonia	coffee filters
rubber gloves	funnels	baking dishware
canning jars	plastic soft drink bottles	gasoline cans
plastic tubing	measuring cups

Visible Long Term Effects of Meth Use

·  dependence and addiction psychosis

·  paranoia

·  hallucinations

·  mood disturbances

·  aggressive behavior

·  agitation

·  anxiety

·  depression

·  poor hygiene

·  weight loss

·  needle marks on arms

·  sores on the body

Long term use of the drug can result in irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain and open sores on the skin.  Some observers have described users as looking as though they were being consumed from the inside-out.

What to Look for if You Suspect a Lab in Your Area

Have you noticed an area or residence that has all of the windows covered, a strong chemical odor or frequent visitors?  Here is what to look for:

·  residents going outside to smoke cigarettes

·  unusual trash burning

·  unusual amount of traffic coming and going

·  strong chemical odors such as ether, acetone or ammonia and odors similar to the smell of urine

·  propane tanks with bluish oxidation on valves and fittings

·  glassware with powdery residue

·  batteries that have been stripped or disassembled

·  mason jars containing clear liquids with white colored “sludge” on the bottom

·  sealed containers with tubing attached

·  coffee filters with a white pasty or red substance

·  residents awake for days at a time

What to do if YOU Suspect a Meth Lab in YOUR Area

·  make a mental note of the activity that you have observed

·  leave the area immediately if possible

·  never unplug, turn off or move anything

·  DO NOT touch anything

·  If you accidentally come into contact with any substance associated with a lab, wash your hands, shower and change clothing as soon as possible

·  report the activity to your local Law Enforcement, you can remain anonymous

Under NO circumstances should a private citizen take any action other than to report their drug lab suspicions to Law Enforcement.