What is a methamphetamine

laboratory?How common are they?Where are methamphetaminelaboratories found?

A methamphetamine laboratory is an

illicit operation that has the apparatusand chemicals needed to produce thepowerful stimulant methamphetamine.(See list of products and equipment.)These laboratories vary dramatically insize and output. Large laboratories,known as super labs, produce 10pounds or more of the drug per production cycle. Much smaller laboratories—sometimes called box labs—produceas little as an ounce or less of the drugand are small enough to fit in a box orbackpack.

Methamphetamine laboratories are

increasingly prevalent throughout theUnited States. In 2002 more than 7,500laboratories were seized in 44 states,according to the Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA) El Paso IntelligenceCenter National Clandestine LaboratorySeizure System. While methamphetamineproduction remains most common in thewestern portion of the United States—particularly California—seizures ofmethamphetamine laboratories in thewest central part of the country havebecome more commonplace.

Methamphetamine laboratories may

be located virtually anywhere.Laboratories have been found insecluded rural areas as well as in residential, commercial, and industrialdistricts. Law enforcement officers have

seized laboratories at private residences,commercial properties, hotels andmotels, and outdoor locations. Mobilelaboratories have been discovered inautomobiles, boats, and luggage.

The following, often in combination, may indicate the presence of a

methamphetamine laboratory:

Unusual odors (ether, ammonia,acetone, or other chemicals)Frequent visitors, particularly atunusual timesExtensive security measures orattempts to ensure privacy (notrespassing or beware of dog signs,fences, large trees or shrubs)Secretive or unfriendly occupants

The chemicals used to produce

methamphetamine are extremelyhazardous. Some are highly volatileand may ignite or explode if mixed orstored improperly. Fire and explosion



Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers (see list ofproducts and equipment), coffeefilters or pieces of cloth that arestained red, and duct tape rollsCurtains always drawn or windowscovered with aluminum foil or blackened on residences, garages, sheds,or other structuresEvidence of chemical waste or dumping

What are the signs that amethamphetamine laboratory may bepresent?What hazards are associated with them?

pose risks not oproducing the din the surroundchildren, neighb

Even when fir

not occur, methtion is dangerouexposed to the tproduce the druhealth risks, incdizziness, nauseof coordination, serious respiratchemical burnsnal organs.

Source: DEA Office of D

Chemical 

Pseudoephedrine Acetone/ethyl alcohol Freon Anhydrous ammonia Red phosphorus Hypophosphorous acid Lithium metal Hydriodic acid Iodine crystals Phenylpropanolamine 
For more inform

check out 

For more inform

check out 

Other proOther pro

www.u

Cover photo: Snoh

NDIC Produ

Call 

to requ

Call 

to requ

Call 

to requ

Call 

to requ

www.u

Other pro

For more infor

check out 

www.u

Call 

to requ

Methamp

Crystal Metham

National Dru

NDIC Wash

ADNET ht

LEO hoRISS ndINTERNET w

319 Washin

Johnstow

Telepho

FAX

8201 Greens

McLean

Telepho

FAX

NDIC publications are av

AcetoneAlcohol (isopropyl or rubbing)Anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer)Ephedrine (cold medications)Ether (engine starter)Hydrochloric acid (pool supply)Iodine (flakes or crystal)Kitty litterLithium (batteries)Methanol (gasoline additive)MSM (nutritional supplement)Pseudoephedrine (cold medications)Red phosphorus (matches or road flares)Salt (table or rock)Sodium hydroxide (lye)Sodium metalSulfuric acid (drain cleaner)Toluene (brake cleaner)Trichloroethane (gun cleaner)

Pails and bucketsPaper towelsPlastic storage

containers

Propane cylindersRubber glovesRubber tubingStrainersTapeTowels and bed

sheets

Tempered

glassware

Thermometer

Equipment Used in Methamphetamine Production Equipment Used in Methamphetamine Production Equipment Used in Methamphetamine Production

Products Used in

Methamphetamine Production

Products Used in

Methamphetamine Production

Products Used in

Methamphetamine Production

Aluminum foilBlendersCheeseclothClampsCoffee filtersFunnelsGas cansIce chestsJugs and bottlesLaboratory

beakers andglassware

Measuring cups

Ingestion. Toxic chemicals can be

ingested either by consuming contaminated food or beverages or by inadvertently consuming the chemicalsdirectly. (Young children present atlaboratory sites are at particular riskof ingesting chemicals.) Ingesting toxicchemicals—or methamphetamineitself—may result in potentially fatalpoisoning, internal chemical burns,damage to organ function, and harmto neurological and immunologicfunctioning.

In addition, methamphetamine

production threatens the environment.The average methamphetamine laboratory produces 5 to 7 pounds of toxicwaste for every pound of methamphetamine produced. Operators oftendispose of this waste improperly, simply by dumping it near the laboratory.This can cause contamination of thesoil and nearby water supplies.

If you suspect that someone in your

neighborhood is operating a methamphetamine laboratory, report yourconcerns to the local police department or sheriff’s office immediately.For your own safety, do not investigate the suspected laboratory orconfront the occupants. In addition tothe hazards discussed above, manylaboratories are equipped with security devices or booby traps that couldcause serious injuries or death.

What can I do?