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Meth Lab Awareness & Dangers

• Numerous empty cold medications containers. Cold medications containing ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine are used as the basis of the manufacturing process. A legitimate cold sufferer might use one or two packages. Finding many discarded packages of these medications is a definite warning sign.
• Empty chemical containers. A variety of chemicals are used during the process. These include acetone, Coleman fuel, starting fluid, methanol such as Heet antifreeze, paint thinner, and sodium hydroxide such as Red Devil lye.
• Chemistry equipment. Few people practice chemistry as a hobby, so seeing equipment like flasks and beakers is a warning sign. But many meth "cooks" will use common items like mason jars and coolers connected with rubber tubing. Bottles or jugs being discarded with odd looking solutions in them may contain byproducts from the manufacturing process.
• Odd chemical odors. A chemical smell not typically associated with a residential environment is cause for concern.

• Methamphetamine labs are extremely dangerous. If you suspect the existence of a meth lab, report it immediately to the West Metro Drug Task Force at (303) 785-0592 or the Lakewood Police Department at (303) 987-7111.

The Growing Methamphetamine Problem

The West Metro Drug Task Force has seen a dramatic increase in the number of methamphetamine laboratories in the last two years, and the task force believes the numbers will continue to grow. In 2001, Lakewood Police seized more than three times the amount of methamphetamine than was seized in 2000. The trend across the United States has been similar, and some of our neighboring states are dismantling nearly a 1,000 meth labs a year. The rise of meth labs in our state is approaching that level as well.

In the Denver metro area, meth lab operations have caused fires and explosions. There has even been deaths caused by the fires and explosions. When a lab is found in a home, apartment or hotel room, the substances involved can be so deadly that the area must be carefully cleaned by a hazardous materials team. These labs are endangering innocent bystanders and taxing the resources of local police and firefighters. It is a burden that must be shouldered by you the taxpayer, and it takes money away from other public safety needs. What can you do to help?

The photo you see on this page depicts many of the common household items and over-the-counter medications and chemicals that can be associated with a methamphetamine laboratory. They include cold, hay fever and sinus medications containing ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine; denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol; iodine tincture or iodine crystals; Coleman fuel; engine starter containing ether; drain cleaner; lye; salt and rock salt; large quantities of matches; coffee filters; funnels and rubber tubing; and lithium batteries.

Be alert, but be mindful. Merely having these items in your possession is NOT NECESSARILY A CRIME. But it is possible that a combination of several of these items could indicate a methamphetamine laboratory. These items in conjunction with strong chemical odors ARE SUSPICIOUS and should be reported to the West Metro Drug Task Force or Lakewood Police.