There are actions that you as a private citizen can take to ensure methamphetamine manufacturing is not occurring in your neighborhood. Drug dealers and methamphetamine manufacturers have common habits which are easily observed. Listed below are some of these common habits. If you observe any combination of these activities, repot your concerns to your local police or sheriff's department immediately. Do Not Confront Your Neighbor With Your Suspicions Or Enter A Suspected Lab.
Any single activity may or may not be sole proof that drug dealing or methamphetamine manufacturing is occurring. However, a combination of the following may be reason for concern:
Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night.
Activity at the house is usually at odd hours or late at night.
Occupants appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money and pay bills with cash.
Occupants are unfriendly, appear secretive about activities.
Occupants watch cars suspiciously when they pass by.
Occupants display a paranoid or odd behavior.
Extensive security at the home or signs that indicate "Private Property" or "Beware of Dog", fences, large shrubs, bushes and trees.
Windows blackened or curtains always drawn.
Occupants go outside the house to smoke cigarettes.
Chemical odors coming from the house, garbage or detached buildings.
Garbage contains numerous bottles, containers, and materials such as those displayed in this brochure.
Coffee filters, bed sheets or other material stained from filtering red phosphorus or other chemicals.
Occupants sets his garbage for pick up in another neighbor's collection area.
Evidence of chemical or waste dumping (i.e. burn pits, or "dead spots" in the yard.)
What have others in your neighborhood observed?
The means necessary to prevent a tenant from starting a methamphetamine lab can be simple and non-intrusive. A landlord can eliminate the likelihood of a meth lab on their property by simply screening prospective tenants and conducting regular inspections.
Meth labs require equipment and supplies that could make a "quick clean-up" unlikely. Landlords should make "surprise" or unannounced inspection of their property within the provisions of the law. If a landlord suspects or discoverd a meth lab, he/she should not confront the tenant or enter the lab, but contact their local law enforcement agency immediately as they are equipped to conduct an investigation and collect evidence in a safe and lawful manner.
Get to know your neighbors by introducing yourself to the neighbors and let them know your property is a rental. Ask neighbors to keep watch on your property and provide them with your telephone number so they an contact you if they have any concerns.
Always screen prospective tenants and be sure to check their credit history and references. Have each prospective provide you with a written authorization to check with the local police for prior criminal record. Advise that you check your property regularly and have your tenant sign an agreement to allow for unannounced inspections. Let your tenant k now you have regular contact with the neighbors. Confirm the number and names of the tenants who will be residing at your property and find out who will be paying the bills. Keep a record of your tenant's vehicles and license plate numbers.
The Chemicals
Meth manufacturing is extremely dangerous and involves many common household chemical products. These chemicals, and the array o their combinations, are potentially lethal and toxic. When mixed, the household chemicals used in the manufacturing process can damage the central nervous system, liver and kidneys and burn or irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. The chemicals and fumes that permeate the walls, carpets, plaster and wood in meth labs, as well as the surrounding soil, are known to cause cancer, short-term and permanent brain damage and immune and respiratory system problems.
The Equipment
Environmental damage is another consequence of clandestine meth labs. Meth lab "cooks" leave approximately six pounds of hazardous toxic waste for each pound of methamphetamine produced. Lab operators often pour leftover chemicals and by-products down household drains, wells, storm drains, or directly onto the ground. Solvents and other toxic chemicals used in the methamphetamine manufacturing process pose long-term hazards because they remain in the soil and groundwater for years. Clean-up costs are extremely high because contaminated soil, building and other materials must be removed and incinerated.
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