METHAMPHETAMINES

Methamphetamines are highly addictive and dangerous stimulants. These drugs are commonly referred to as crank, uppers and speed are sold in powder, pill and capsule forms that can be inhaled through the nose, swallowed or injected. Methamphetamines is the most commonly manufactured illegal drug.

How to recognize a meth lab (clues)

1.  Strong odors

2.  The mixing of unusual chemicals in a house, garage or barn by persons not involved in the chemical industry.

3.  Late night secretive activity in a rural farm area.

4.  The possession of chemical glassware by someone not involved in the chemical field.

5.  Possession of unusual chemicals, such as the abundance of Coleman fuel and/or acetone.

* Meth labs regularly blow up in ordinary neighborhoods, damaging ordinary people who may not even know what meth is.*

Some things to look for:

1.  High traffic volume

2.  Ventilation tubing on perimeter of a house or apartment

3.  Discoloration from venting, strong odors

4.  Propane bottles, chemical containers

Where to find meth labs:

1.  Mobile property, camper trailers, RV's

2.  Automobile SUV's

3.   Mobile homes

4.  Storage buildings

5.  Exclusive housing additions

6.  Houseboats, motels, apartments

Long-term effect of meth chemicals

1.  Change in genetic code

2.  Down line birth defects

3.  Agents causing fetal deaths

4.  Reproduction toxins

5.  Long term carcinogens

Raid trends:

1.  Hospitalization - 4% puts one responder in the hospital

2.  The largest single source of on the job injury for narcotics officers

3.  10% of labs have automatic and silenced weapons

4.  20% of all labs are found through fire or explosions

5.  10% of all labs contain booby traps or explosive devices

6.  30% of all labs have electronic countermeasures - surveillance

Signs of use:

1.  Violent aggressive behavior

2.  Insomnia

3.  Impaired speech

4.  Dry itchy skin

5.  Loss of appetite

6.  Acne sores

7.  Numbness

8.  Hallucinations

9.  Increased heart rate

10.  Increased alertness

11. Rapid dental decay

 

Is there a meth lab cookin' in your neighborhood?
What is Meth? It is a powerful, highly toxic, lethal drug illegally cooked in makeshift labs. Meth can be found in the forms of pills, capsules, powder or chunks. It can be smoked, snorted, injected or eaten. Meth is also called crank, speed, crystal or ice. It is deadly.	Report a Meth Lab Sequoyah County Sheriff's Department   918-775-9155	Warning Signs to Identify a Meth Lab Strong odor of solvents Windows blacked out Iodine or chemical stained bathroom or kitchen fixtures Renters who pay in cash Many late night visitors Excessive trash
Warning! Meth can cause long-term health effects including cancer, brain damage, birth effects and miscarriages. It can also cause health problems not just for users but for anyone exposed to the chemicals. Labs are frequently abandoned and the potentially explosive and very toxic chemicals are left behind. Sometimes chemicals are dumped along roadsides or in wooded areas.	Meth Lab Supplies Plastic tubing Mason jars Camp stove fuel Empty pill bottles Ammonia Starter fluid Glass containers Rock salt Iodine Funnels Coffee filters with red stains Lithium batteries Hydrogen peroxide Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine tablets Propane tanks sometimes spray painted or burned with vents or tampered valves Empty cans of toluene, alcohol, or paint thinner	Warning! Never handle materials you suspect were used for making meth, such as contaminated glassware and needles. Skin contact can result in burns or poisoning. Handling items can also cause some of the chemicals to explode on contact with water or air. Professionals do not enter until they have put on chemically resistant suits and boots, special gloves, and respirators.

Deputy Pamela L. Crutchfield

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This page last updated June 19, 2008