The Three Types of Clandestine Drug Labs

Illegal drug labs require a certain type of chemistry to be successfully carried out. This chemistry, in general, is clandestine chemistry. In the late 1960's Biker gangs, with the use of standard laboratory equipment, took over the manufacture of amphetamines soon after they became listed as controlled substances. This was only the beginning for underground chemists and the clandestine drug lab.

WHAT IS A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB?

Clandestine drug labs are places where illegal drugs such as LSD, PCP (angel dust), Phenyl-2-Propanone ( P2P), synthetic Heroin, MDA/MDPP (ecstasy), Methaqualude, Methcathinone (cat), Methamphetamine and Fentanyl are produced. Clandestine drug labs involve the use of toxic chemicals and they have the potential to cause fires and explosions.

THE THREE TYPES OF CLANDESTINE DRUG LABS

There are three types of clandestine drug labs, the operational lab, non-operational lab and a boxed lab.

Operational labs are those that are in the process of blending and synthesis or "cooking". This is the most dangerous stage because the chemicals can be unstable. During the "cook" toxic gases are released and a fire and/or an explosion can occur.

The non-operational labs have just been set up to begin "cooking", but the actual process has not been started. Non-operational labs can also refer to a lab that has finished a "cook" and has not yet been taken down. The lab at this stage can be considered less dangerous than an operational lab, but chemicals and contaminated glassware, chemical and acid spills, chemical residue that could still ignite can still be found.

Boxed labs have been dismantled and put away. These labs still create a very dangerous situation. The items that are found in a non-operational lab can still be found in a boxed lab.

THE HAZARDS OF A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB

The most common hazards associated with clandestine drug labs include chemical exposure, fire/explosions, booby traps, occupant health issues and environmental damage to property and soil. There is also a weapons hazard, a biohazard and an exotic animal hazard. Exotic animals that may be on the premises include alligators and snakes that are used to protect the lab.

THE SIGNS AND INDICATIONS OF A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB

The signs and indications of a clandestine drug lab include strong chemical odors like urine, ether, ammonia and acetone. Other indications include residences with the windows blacked out, renters who pay landlords in cash, occupants smoking outside, unusual increases in traffic, such as more traffic at night than during the day, new high fences with no visible livestock or animals, excessive trash that include large amounts of antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaners and duct tape and large amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the house.

LAB EQUIPMENT USED IN A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB

Lab equipment that is used for a clandestine drug labs include triple neck flasks, single neck flasks, reflux columns, distillators, heating mantles, rheostats, vacuum pumps, tubing, separatory funnels and buchner funnels.

COMMON KITCHEN EQUIPMENT USED IN A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB

Common kitchen equipment that is used includes jars, crock pots, glass jugs, sports bottles, hot plates, pressure cookers, coffee filters, butane and propane tanks, fire extinguishers, skillets, electric frying pans, spice mills and Pyrex baking pans.

THE CHEMICALS USED IN A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB

There are approximately three hundred and fifty different chemicals used in clandestine labs. Some of these chemicals include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid, red phosphorous and iodine. Fuels used include Coleman fuel, paint thinner, starting fluid, red devil lye, propane, kerosene and lithium batteries. Sources of ephedrine such as over-the-counter cold medicines and over-the-counter medications used to stay awake are also used in a clandestine drug lab. Cookers usually use six to eight chemicals for one particular method.

CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB STATISTICS AND FACTS

For every pound of an illegal narcotic produced, six to eight pounds of waste is created.

Ninety-five percent of clandestine drug labs produce methamphetamine and ninety-five percent of cooks have little or no chemical knowledge, no safety in handing chemical and are users themselves.

Clandestine labs are on the rise on almost every Reservation in the United States.

Currently fifteen states have regulations and standards for the decontamination of clandestine drug labs.

Studies have shown in the past that law enforcement agents who are involved in Meth lab seizures are suffering from chronic health effects.

If a clandestine lab is suspected, it should be reported to law enforcement officers as soon as possible. It is important not to move or tamper with the clandestine lab in any way.