Clan labs can be located in city or rural properties, in homes, sheds or even shipping containers, and are set up with a range of specialized equipment to facilitate drug manufacturing.
Most clan labs use toxic chemicals that can be modified to make explosives – making them extremely dangerous and the cause of fires or explosions.
Criminals will go to great lengths to hide drug manufacturing from the public eye. However, there are visible signs to look out for if you suspect suspicious drug manufacturing in your area.
A clan lab produces illicit drugs by modifying toxic chemicals from store-brought products such as cold and flu medication, acetone, batteries, toluene and hydrochloric acid.
The use of these chemicals may be detectable from strong
odours that are produced during the manufacturing process.
The smell will
be strong enough to notice if you are in close proximity to a clan lab.
Toxic waste may also be visible on the property as it is often
stored onsite in buckets or dumped nearby.
Burnt patches of grass can be an example
of toxic waste being dumped outside a clan lab.
Another clue is the presence of chemical storage buckets or containers on the property.
Covered windows may indicate that suspicious drug activity is happening inside the property. Heavy curtains, large boards, metal shutters or even aluminium foil are common ways to conceal windows to ensure privacy.
KNOW THE SIGNS:
HOWTO DETECTA Clandestine Drug Lab ?
Clan labs require ventilation to remove the significant level of toxic fumes produced during their operation. Large exhaust fans and furnace blowers are examples of ventilation equipment used to remove fumes and strong odours from inside a property.
You may notice suspicious properties disposing excessive or unusual rubbish. Examples of excessive unusual waste include cold and flu tablet packaging, coffee filter papers, plastic bottles and used cooking utensils.
If you happen to visit a property and are suspicious of drug manufacturing, you may notice a variety of chemicals in the fridge and cooking utensils like large baking trays, glassware and containers.
There may be noticeable stains on the walls or ceiling and water hoses leading into or outside the property.
Smoke detectors may be covered to prevent setting off alarms from heavy fumes or fires.
Knowthe signs and stop the manufacture of drugs in
Your community