Producing amphetamine carries risks.
- Acids are used during production. These can seep into the ground or building and must be cleaned up.
- A drug lab can be fire hazardous.
- Many chemicals used in drug labs can emit harmful fumes and gases.
- Production is controlled by criminals, which can create unsafe situations.
- The waste is chemical and dangerous to people, animals, and the environment.
How to recognize a lab
The police find drug labs in various locations: business premises, sheds, homes, and garages. You can recognize a lab by:
- It smells like chemicals.
- To prevent the smell outside, cracks in windows and doors are often sealed, for example with foam.
- Extraction systems often vent the air.
- Criminals do everything to hide the smell. Sometimes they boil fabric softener to mask the odor, or the lab is near a factory or farm to disguise the smell.
- You see cars, vans, or trucks that you wouldn’t expect in the area.
- There are jerrycans, barrels, or plastic bags lying around.
Keep crime out of your neighborhood
Someone asking to rent a building may seem innocent. If they are willing to pay well, it might seem profitable. However, it can cost much more than it yields because as an owner you can be held liable. If you find it strange or suspicious, contact your local police officer.
Further communication about this investigation is handled by the East Netherlands unit.
