1/30/2019 METH WHAT ARE THE SIGNS ??? METHAMPHETAMINE AND METH LABS Information, Identification Tips, and What to Do If You Think You Have Discovered a Meth Lab, Dealer, or User 1
1/30/2019 IF YOU SUSPECT IF YOU HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD MAY BE USING, DEALING, OR MANUFACTURING METHAMAPHETAMINES DO NOT CONFRONT AND LEAVE THE HOUSE IMMEDIATELY. Contact local law enforcement. Maryland State Police 301 ‐ 387 ‐ 1101 Garrett County Sherrif’s Office 301 ‐ 334 ‐ 1911 WHAT IS METH? Methamphetamine (Meth) is a very potent central nervous system stimulant. The drug works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interfering with normal neurotransmission. The main neurotransmitter affected by meth is dopamine. Meth may be inhaled, smoked, or injected. 2
1/30/2019 HOW IS METH INGESTED? Snorting or eating meth Smoking Meth INJECTING METH Often, meth is injected so it can be introduced into the bloodstream at a faster rate. Generally, injection is the preferred method of ingestion by heavy users of meth. 3
1/30/2019 WHAT IS THE COST OF METH? It only takes a very small amount of Meth to effect the body. One small dosage could effect the body for days. Meth is often sold in ¼ gram packages, commonly reffered to as “quarter papers”. Usually sold for $20 to $25. A gram would generally cost $100. One gram is about equal to a “Sweet N Low” packet at a restaurant. Anymore then a gram would usually indicate a dealer. IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE OF USING METH, WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR? Meth is always packaged, usually in plastic baggies. Often small jewelry baggies that sometimes have designs or in corners of baggies. Look for white residue in the discarded baggies. Look for triangle shaped corners of baggies, often that have been heated or burnt closed. 4
1/30/2019 PIPES They can come in a variety of shapes, colors, or sizes. Light bulbs, or small glass pipes can be used to smoke Meth. Often, a straw or pen is used to inhale the smoke from the glass pipe or tin foil. NEEDLES Hypodermic needles or homemade syringes. Bent spoons with charred bottoms. Propane torch or torch lighter . 5
1/30/2019 WHAT DOES METH DO? Increased energy, feelings of euphoria, decreased appetite and decreased need for sleep. Increased heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, restlessness, and anxiety. METHAMPHETAMINE LABS The manufacture of methamphetamines can be set up anywhere including houses, mobile homes, sheds, office buildings, etc. Making Meth is extremely dangerous and uses many common chemical products. Many of the chemicals used in making meth are very toxic and volatile. Exposure to these chemicals can cause bodily harm . 6
1/30/2019 METH LAB CHEMICALS When mixed, the 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. CHEMICALS USED IN THE METH PROCESS Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine Cold Tablets Red Phosphorus (Match Heads) Methanol (Heet) Rubbing Alcohol Lithium (Batteries) Iodine Crystals Sulfuric Acid (Drano) Solvents (Camp Fuel, Acetone) Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) Tolulene (Break Cleaner) Ether (Starting Fluid) 7
1/30/2019 EQUIPMENT USED Pyrex or Corning Dishes Jugs/Bottles Coffee Filters Funnels Blenders Tape/Clamps Strainers Propane Cylinders How to make meth Information Plastic Containers Measuring Cups ACTIVITIES THAT MAY INDICATE A METH LAB Frequent visitors at all times of the day and night. Activity at the house is usually at odd hours or late at night. Are unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money and pay bills with cash. Are unfriendly and/or appear secretive about activites. Display paranoid or odd behavior. Curtains all drawn. House has a strong chemical odor. Garbage contains numerous bottles. Evidence of chemical or waste dumping. 8
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