NCJ Number
177837
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 1999 Pages: 30-32
Date Published
1999
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article examines the dangers of clandestine (clan) methamphetamine labs and what law enforcement personnel can do to protect themselves.
Abstract
Mexican national criminal organizations control the majority of the methamphetamine produced in the US. Originally operating out of labs in California, Arizona and Washington state, they are now appearing in every area of the country. The labs pose dangers to investigators in their storage of anhydrous ammonia, which causes severe respiratory problems, and because they frequently contain firearms and booby traps. If law enforcement personnel find themselves in a clan lab environment, they should: (1) get out if possible; (2) secure the scene and not allow people in or out of the location until it is fully decontaminated; (3) not eat or drink anything while in or near the lab; (4) not turn any switches on or off, leave everything as it is to avoid electrical sparks or booby traps; (5) be aware that clan lab operators are possibly armed and will assault an officer; and (6) call the nearest clan lab team in the area, leaving the lab to those trained to operate in such conditions. Tables