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<p align="center"><b><font size="6">How To Recognize the Signs of a
Meth Lab</font></b></td>
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<p>There are actions that you as a private citizen can take to ensure
methamphetamine manufacturing is not occurring in your neighborhood. Drug
dealers and methamphetamine manufacturers have common habits which are easily
observed. Listed below are some of these common habits. If you
observe any combination of these activities, repot your concerns to your
local police or sheriff's department immediately. <b>D</b>o <b>N</b>ot <b>C</b>onfront
<b>Y</b>our <b>N</b>eighbor <b>W</b>ith <b>Y</b>our <b>S</b>uspicions <b>O</b>r <b>E</b>nter
<b>A</b> <b>S</b>uspected <b>L</b>ab.</p>
<p align="center"><img border="2" src="images/Meth%20House.jpg" width="500" height="419"></p>
<p>Any single activity may or may not be sole proof that drug dealing or
methamphetamine manufacturing is occurring. However, a combination of the
following may be reason for concern:</p>
<ul>
<li>Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night</li>
<li>Activity at the house is usually at odd hours or late at night.</li>
<li>Occupants appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money and pay
bills with cash.</li>
<li>Occupants are unfriendly, appear secretive about activities.</li>
<li>Occupants watch cars suspiciously when they pass by.</li>
<li>Occupants display a paranoid or odd behavior.</li>
<li>Extensive security at the home or signs that indicate "Private
Property" or "Beware of Dog", fences, large shrubs, bushes
and trees.</li>
<li>Windows blackened or curtains always drawn.</li>
<li>Occupants go outside the house to smoke cigarettes.</li>
<li>Chemical odors coming from the house, garbage or detached buildings.</li>
<li>Garbage contains numerous bottles, containers, and materials such as those
displayed in this brochure.</li>
<li>Coffee filters, bed sheets or other material stained from filtering red
phosphorus or other chemicals.</li>
<li>Occupants sets his garbage for pick up in another neighbor's collection
area.</li>
<li>Evidence of chemical or waste dumping (i.e. burn pits, or "dead
spots" in the yard.)</li>
<li>What have others in your neighborhood observed?</li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><img border="2" src="images/Meth%20Sites.jpg" width="500" height="852"></p>
<p>The means necessary to prevent a tenant from starting a methamphetamine lab
can be simple and non-intrusive. A landlord can eliminate the
likelihood of a meth lab on their property by simply screening prospective
tenants and conducting regular inspections.</p>
<p>Meth labs require equipment and supplies that could make a "quick
clean-up" unlikely. Landlords should make "surprise" or
unannounced inspection of their property within the provisions of the law.
If a landlord suspects or discoverd a meth lab, he/she should not confront the
tenant or enter the lab, but contact their local law enforcement agency
immediately as they are equipped to conduct an investigation and collect
evidence in a safe and lawful manner.</p>
<p>Get to know your neighbors by introducing yourself to the neighbors and let
them know your property is a rental. Ask neighbors to keep watch on your
property and provide them with your telephone number so they an contact you if
they have any concerns.</p>
<p>Always screen prospective tenants and be sure to check their credit history
and references. Have each prospective provide you with a written
authorization to check with the local police for prior criminal record.
Advise that you check your property regularly and have your tenant sign an
agreement to allow for unannounced inspections. Let your tenant k now you
have regular contact with the neighbors. Confirm the number and names of
the tenants who will be residing at your property and find out who will be
paying the bills. Keep a record of your tenant's vehicles and license
plate numbers.</p>
<p align="center"><font face="Chiller" size="7">The Chemicals</font></p>
<p><img border="2" src="images/Meth%20Chemicals.jpg" width="700" height="1674"></p>
<p align="left">Meth manufacturing is extremely dangerous and involves many
common household chemical products. These chemicals, and the array o their
combinations, are potentially lethal and toxic. When mixed, the household
chemicals used in the manufacturing process can damage the central nervous
system, liver and kidneys and burn or irritate the skin, eyes, nose and
throat. The chemicals and fumes that permeate the walls, carpets, plaster
and wood in meth labs, as well as the surrounding soil, are known to cause
cancer, short-term and permanent brain damage and immune and respiratory system
problems. </p>
<p align="center"><font size="7" face="Chiller"><b>The Equipment</b></font></p>
<p align="left"><img border="2" src="images/Meth%20Ingredients.jpg" width="700" height="1722"></p>
<p align="left">Environmental damage is another consequence of clandestine meth
labs. Meth lab "cooks" leave approximately six pounds of
hazardous toxic waste for each pound of methamphetamine produced. Lab
operators often pour leftover chemicals and by-products down household drains,
wells, storm drains, or directly onto the ground. Solvents and other toxic
chemicals used in the methamphetamine manufacturing process pose long-term
hazards because they remain in the soil and groundwater for years.
Clean-up costs are extremely high because contaminated soil, building and other
materials must be removed and incinerated.</p>
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