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As lawmakers and law
enforcement officials intensify their efforts to halt the production and
distribution of methamphetamines throughout Montana, farmers and
ranchers urge them to remember the landowners who have been abused by
"fly-by-night" clandestine labs. The illegal labs that produce
methamphetamine tend to be located in remote farming areas.
Chemicals and waste materials from the manufacturing of methamphetamines
can cause considerable harm to people and the environment. In addition,
the cost of cleaning up Meth labs is staggering and usually falls on the
shoulders of innocent property owners. With clean up costs as high as
$150,000. Meth comes in many forms and can be smoked, snorted, orally
ingested, or injected. Immediately after smoking the drug or injecting
it intravenously, the user experiences an intense rush or "flash" that
lasts only a few minutes. As with similar stimulants, users try to
maintain the high by binging on the drug.
Signs of a Meth Lab:
- Vehicles used are
usually older model pickup trucks, vans and rental/moving vans.
Items are usually kept covered up in vehicles. Chemical
odors may come from the vehicle.
- If you discover
chemical odors coming from a field, orchard, disused shed or other
structure, notify law enforcement immediately.
- Be aware of boxes
or drums with corrosive, flammable, poison placards. Also,
laboratory glassware, discarded "pseudophed" boxes or other chemical
containers.
What to do if you
come across a Meth lab:
- Remain calm --
give yourself time to think clearly.
- Immediately
contact -- your local law enforcement agency.
- Do NOT approach
suspects -- They are usually armed and dangerous.
- Do NOT approach
the lab area -- Discarded containers, waste and other materials
remaining from the Meth lab can be highly volatile.
- Do no try to clean
up the area. The evidence should remain undisturbed until law
enforcement arrives.
- Keep a safe
distance -- as hazardous materials can ignite or the fumes may
overcome you.
How can I keep Meth
labs away from my family and property:
- Make sure sheds,
barns and other structures have proper locks and security systems.
- Develop positive
communication with your local law enforcement.
- Participate in a
Farm Watch system or a "good neighbor" policy with people and
operations around you. Keep an eye out for suspicious traffic in and
around your property, and do the same for your neighbor. Meth
manufacturers operate in rural areas to avoid being seen.
What Meth cookers
leave behind:
- Paper boxes and
packaging from cold tablets.
- Coffee filters
soaked in alcohol or ether.
- Cans, plastic
bottles, glass jars.
- Hot plates or
electric skillets.
- Left-over
chemicals.
- Used syringes.
- Plastic tubing.
- Plastic bags.
- Batteries.
Call 622-5451 to
report any suspicious activity that might be a drug lab. In case of an
emergency, dial 911.
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