How to Identify a Clandestine Drug Lab
Clandestine labs often have a strong chemical odor., Look at the condition of the house., Look at their trash., Consider people's behavior at the house., Consider this method when you're evaluating a potential home., Look for chemical stains on...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Clandestine labs often have a strong chemical odor.
Look for any of the following smells:
Ammonia Ether Rotten eggs Cat urine Skunk spray Nail polish remover -
Step 2: Look at the condition of the house.
Is it well kept, or is it dirty and dilapidated? "User Labs," or labs set up by those who use the drugs they make, are often unable to do proper housework due to the effects of their addictions.
Also look at any suspicious features of the house, especially blacked out or painted over windows, diverted electrical lines, suspicious or makeshift plumbing, or excessive security features.
Dead spots on a lawn may be a sign that chemicals have been dumped there.
Having lots of loose dirt everywhere may be from burying waste. , While it's not recommend for you to rummage through people's garbage, look for any waste near or around their house.
Common wastes include:
A large amount of cold medication packages.
Opened lithium batteries Paint thinner Drain cleaner/lye Engine starter fluid Antifreeze Acetone Matchbooks or boxes Epsom salt or rock salt bags Muriatic acid Rubbing alcohol Coleman fuel Caustic soda bags or cans Industrial chemical drums Laboratory glassware 2-liter soda bottles with tubing attached Propane tanks with valves that have turned blue Funnels Rubber tubing or plumbing pipes Gloves Coffee filters or rags with red stains Dust masks and respirator cartridges Drug paraphernalia , Unusual hours, late night activity or driving, and large amounts of visitors that stay for a short time may be signs of drug activity.
If the occupants are very standoffish, paranoid, and rarely come outside the house, be wary.
Coming outside to smoke may be a sign, as cooks do not want to ignite flammable fumes inside Labs often have "Keep Out" signs, security cameras, motion sensors, alarms, booby traps, and other elaborate security systems.
If you are a landlord, and your tenants do not want you to come inside or go into a specific area, this should be a immediate red flag , Moving into a house that formerly contained a drug lab can be just as dangerous as living near a active one.
Unscrupulous realtors or landlords may try to sell you a property that could potentially pose a threat to your family's health. , Some chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid, can stain wood and carpet flooring.
Beware, however, as former damage may be covered up with new carpeting/paint. , Waste from drug labs is highly toxic and kills grass.
Cooks may have used fires in the past to burn waste. , Could the plumbing be installed to make it easier to dump chemicals without being detected by anyone outside of the house? Could venting systems be installed in basements to vent out chemical fumes? Are electrical outlets, switches, or wiring found in weird places? , Cooks are often armed and under the influence of drugs.
It is important to let the authorities handle a suspected drug lab.
Do not play "hero" and try to stop a chemical reaction.
In some processes, highly unstable chemicals may explode or form toxic gases if the reaction is stopped. , Some cities have a designated clandestine laboratory team to properly handle these situations. , If you believe you or anyone else is in imminent danger, call your local emergency services immediately. -
Step 3: Look at their trash.
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Step 4: Consider people's behavior at the house.
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Step 5: Consider this method when you're evaluating a potential home.
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Step 6: Look for chemical stains on flooring or walls.
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Step 7: Be wary of burned grass and vegetation
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Step 8: and buried waste.
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Step 9: Watch out for strange plumbing
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Step 10: ventilation
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Step 11: and/or electrical work.
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Step 12: Don't approach the occupants.
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Step 13: Call the police
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Step 14: the drug hotline
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Step 15: or your local DEA office for help.
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Step 16: Handle dangerous situation as emergencies.
Detailed Guide
Look for any of the following smells:
Ammonia Ether Rotten eggs Cat urine Skunk spray Nail polish remover
Is it well kept, or is it dirty and dilapidated? "User Labs," or labs set up by those who use the drugs they make, are often unable to do proper housework due to the effects of their addictions.
Also look at any suspicious features of the house, especially blacked out or painted over windows, diverted electrical lines, suspicious or makeshift plumbing, or excessive security features.
Dead spots on a lawn may be a sign that chemicals have been dumped there.
Having lots of loose dirt everywhere may be from burying waste. , While it's not recommend for you to rummage through people's garbage, look for any waste near or around their house.
Common wastes include:
A large amount of cold medication packages.
Opened lithium batteries Paint thinner Drain cleaner/lye Engine starter fluid Antifreeze Acetone Matchbooks or boxes Epsom salt or rock salt bags Muriatic acid Rubbing alcohol Coleman fuel Caustic soda bags or cans Industrial chemical drums Laboratory glassware 2-liter soda bottles with tubing attached Propane tanks with valves that have turned blue Funnels Rubber tubing or plumbing pipes Gloves Coffee filters or rags with red stains Dust masks and respirator cartridges Drug paraphernalia , Unusual hours, late night activity or driving, and large amounts of visitors that stay for a short time may be signs of drug activity.
If the occupants are very standoffish, paranoid, and rarely come outside the house, be wary.
Coming outside to smoke may be a sign, as cooks do not want to ignite flammable fumes inside Labs often have "Keep Out" signs, security cameras, motion sensors, alarms, booby traps, and other elaborate security systems.
If you are a landlord, and your tenants do not want you to come inside or go into a specific area, this should be a immediate red flag , Moving into a house that formerly contained a drug lab can be just as dangerous as living near a active one.
Unscrupulous realtors or landlords may try to sell you a property that could potentially pose a threat to your family's health. , Some chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid, can stain wood and carpet flooring.
Beware, however, as former damage may be covered up with new carpeting/paint. , Waste from drug labs is highly toxic and kills grass.
Cooks may have used fires in the past to burn waste. , Could the plumbing be installed to make it easier to dump chemicals without being detected by anyone outside of the house? Could venting systems be installed in basements to vent out chemical fumes? Are electrical outlets, switches, or wiring found in weird places? , Cooks are often armed and under the influence of drugs.
It is important to let the authorities handle a suspected drug lab.
Do not play "hero" and try to stop a chemical reaction.
In some processes, highly unstable chemicals may explode or form toxic gases if the reaction is stopped. , Some cities have a designated clandestine laboratory team to properly handle these situations. , If you believe you or anyone else is in imminent danger, call your local emergency services immediately.
About the Author
Samuel Rogers
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow practical skills tutorials.
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