What is Methamphetamine? A drug with immense abuse potential, methamphetamine (known on the street as "speed," "meth," "crank," "crystal-meth," and "glass") is a central nervous system stimulant of the amphetamine family. Like cocaine, it is a powerful "upper" that produces alertness, and elation, along with a variety of adverse reactions. The effects of methamphetamine, however, are much longer lasting than the effects of cocaine.

How is it made? The precursor and main ingredient, of Methamphetamine is ephedrine. This chemical is contained in many legal drugs, including bronchodilators, like Vick's Inhalant, decongestants, like Nyquil Nighttime Cold Medications, diet pills, and therapeutic agents like Dioxin. Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs also extract pseudoephedrine from easier to obtain, legally produced over the counter diet pills, decongestants, and bronchodilator, such as "Mini-Thins,” "MaxAlert,” "Sudafed,” "Pharmacist Value Suphedrine,” etc.. Which makes the drug much cheaper to make than cocaine.

How is it made? Other legally purchased items which have been found in Clandestine Labs are Iodine Crystals, Red Phosphorous, (Sometimes extracted from matchbooks), Isopropyl Alcohol, and Red Devil Lye. The equipment used for manufacturing, is as simple as having Coleman stoves, aquariums pumps or swamp cooler pumps, several pieces of glassware, rubber tubing, Pyrex dishes, and mason jars. Cooking time is reduced, from 24 to 36 hours, using the P-2-P method, to as little as, 4 to 6 hours, using the new cold or matchbook method.

Where is it made? The manufacturing process is usually conducted in but not limited to, rental properties, apartments, storage sheds, hotel/motels, and vehicles.

While one or two empty bottles in the trash might indicate normal activity, anything beyond that is a possible clue of meth-lab activity.

The Danger The dangers of these Clandestine Labs are not only to the cooks themselves but to the general public, and law enforcement. Clandestine Labs have been responsible for exposure by poisonous gases, and some have resulted in large fires. Loss of property is estimated in the millions.

Detecting a Meth-Lab in your Neighborhood. Many people may be living next door to a meth-lab and not know it. Some of the signs that there is a meth lab in operation are obvious and easy to spot. In fact, you may have noticed them and not realized it. Here are some of the things to watch for: Unusual strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals). Remember Residences with windows blacked out.

Detecting a Meth-Lab in your Neighborhood. Renters who pay their landlords in cash (most drug dealers deal exclusively in cash). Large amounts of traffic - people coming and going at unusual hours. There may be little traffic during the day and large amounts at night. Excessive trash, including large quantities of: solvent containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner containers and duct tape. Remember

Detecting a Meth-Lab in your Neighborhood. Unusual quantities of clear glass containers being brought into the home. Presence of the following items could also indicate the presence of a meth-lab: Alcohol, Ether, Benzene, Toluene/Paint Thinner, Freon, Acetone, Chloroform, Camp Stove/Coleman Fuel, Starting Fluid, Anhydrous Ammonia, "Heet", White Gasoline, Phenyl-2-Propane, Phenylacetone, Phenylpropanolamine, Iodine Crystals, Red Phosphorus, Black Iodine, Lye (Red Devil Type), Drano, Muriatic/Hydrochloric Acid, Battery/Sulphuric Acid, Epsom Salts, Lithium Batteries, Sodium Metal, Wooden Matches, Propane Cylinders, Hot Plates, Ephedrine (over the counter), Cold Tablets, Bronchodialators, Energy Boosters, Rock Salt and Diet Aids. Obviously the presence of any of these items is not an automatic indicator of the presence of a meth-lab. However, combinations of these items or large quantities of these items may be a sign.

What can you do? Report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office immediately. YOU CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS! DO NOT attempt to contact any possible drug user or dealer. Try to get a description of the vehicle, license plate number, and a description of the person. Be alert to your surroundings, if something “seems” strange or unusual, then it probably is. Know your neighbors; the more you know, the more insight you will have to what is going on in your neighborhood.

Who to call? Routine Calls: 390-5555 EMERGENCY: 911 Crime Stoppers: 634-7867 Metro VNI (vice/narcotics): 444-7766