Meth Lab Reported on Valley Street
A Valley Street neighbor contacted police just before 11 am to report that the folks next door were making meth on the back porch.
When officers arrived to investigate, the residents allowed them to come into the yard to investigate. It turned out they were attempting to extract gold out of old cell phones using a set-up involving tubing, a Cool Whip container, and a pickle jar.
Police determined their little operation didn’t have anything to do with meth manufacturing and informed the neighbor.
Signs of a Meth House, according to the Attorney General
Unusual Odors: Making meth produces powerful odors that may smell like ammonia or ether. These odors have been compared to the smell of cat urine or rotten eggs.
Covered Windows: Meth makers often blacken or cover windows to prevent outsiders from seeing in.
Strange Ventilation: Meth makers often employ unusual ventilation practices to rid themselves of toxic fumes produced by the meth-making process. They may open windows on cold days or at other seemingly inappropriate times, and they may set up fans, furnace blowers, and other unusual ventilation systems.
Elaborate Security: Meth makers often set up elaborate security measures, including, for example, “Keep Out” signs, guard dogs, video cameras, or baby monitors placed outside to warn of persons approaching the premises.
Dead Vegetation: Meth makers sometimes dump toxic substances in their yards, leaving burn pits, “dead spots” in the grass or vegetation, or other evidence of chemical dumping.
Excessive or Unusual Trash: Meth makers produce large quantities of unusual waste that may contain, for example:
- packaging from cold tablets
- lithium batteries that have been torn apart
- used coffee filters with colored stains or powdery residue
- empty containers – often with puncture holes – of antifreeze, white gas, ether, starting fluids, Freon, lye, drain opener, paint thinner, acetone, alcohol, or other chemicals
- plastic soda bottles with holes near the top, often with tubes coming out of the holes
- plastic or rubber hoses, duct tape, rubber gloves, or respiratory masks.
