Clandestine Drug Labs and HAZWOPER
A clandestine lab is used primarily for manufacturing illicit drugs. Drugs such as MA, amphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), methcathinone, PCP, LSD, and fentanyl are often produced illicitly in clandestine labs.
Most clandestine labs in the U.S. specifically produce MA. The information in the next sections is specific to these labs.
Signs that point to a structure as a meth lab include:
- propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue;
- an unusual amount of cold pills containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine;
- coffee filters that are stained red;
- a strong chemical odor that may smell like urine; and
- Glass cookware or frying pans with powdery residue, bottles with rubber tubing attached and other chemicals.
Small, mobile labs that produce one or two ounces at a time are frequently located in residences, motels, hotels, or automobiles. "Super" labs can produce 10 pounds or more of meth per month and five to six pounds of waste for each pound of product.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-4. A suspected clandestine lab has propane tank fittings that have turned blue and a strong smell of urine in the air. What is the most likely drug being manufactured?
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