INTRODUCTION
When you think of laboratories making synthetic (human-made) drugs for pharmaceutical use, you probably envision a secure, ventilated and clean lab with technicians wearing protective glasses, gloves and masks, and where ingredients are carefully measured and labeled. In the case of an accredited drug lab, you would be right. However, there is another type of synthetic drug lab that can be found in our neighbourhoods and on streets across Canada. Police call them clandestine labs or “clan labs” and they are illegal, toxic, and highly dangerous.
WHAT IS A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB?
A clan lab refers to a secret or concealed location where synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine (also referred to as “meth”), MDMA (also referred to as “ecstasy”), and fentanyl are produced, or prepared. These labs operate in total illegality under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Pill presses are also used to transform synthetic drug powder into tablets. Clan labs can be very elaborate and expansive – or very simple and small. Operators can assume the role of criminal chemists called “cooks”, who produce
these drugs not only to supply criminal networks but, in some cases, to support their own habits. They do not discriminate where they set up. Clan labs are found in upscale single- and multiple-family dwellings, farms, rural properties, automotive shops and warehouses.
” One-Pot” labs
Smaller mobile labs (known as the “One-Pot” Method) can even be concealed in car trunks or truck boxes! The reason for this is simple; some types of production require very little equipment and external electrical supply. The One-Pot Method represents the most dangerous synthetic drug lab method
because of its simplicity and portability. Ingredients can be mixed in soda bottles
that can become volatile and explosive that could pose a risk of fire or explosion.
ORGANIZED CRIME
The majority of Canada’s synthetic drug supply is produced domestically with organized crime behind the bulk of production. Many ingredients are available in drug, food supplement, and hardware stores. Their modus operandi and motives are simple: to make money without consideration of the health and safety of drug users. The presence of these labs leads to increased criminal activity in the communities where they exist.
WHAT RISKS DO THESE LABS POSE TO YOUR COMMUNITY?
Clan labs are synonymous with poisoned air, contaminated walls, contaminated well water, and toxic environments. Those living around clan labs – including children –could suffer consequences to their health. Lab operators put their own lives at risk, and the lives of other residents and explosions, burns, and electrocution are extraordinarily dangerous situations.
HERE ARE 9 COMMON HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CLAN LABS: 1-Flammable and/or explosive atmospheres 2-Electrical hazards and sources of ignition 3-Oxygen Deficient or toxic atmospheres 4-Unsafe storage of chemicals 5-Leaking and/or damaged compressed gas cylinders 6-Damaged and leaking chemical containers, 6-Potential for booby traps, 8-Potential exposure to very potent drugs 9-Chemicals that ignite when exposed to water or air.
WASTE
In addition to these hazards, clan labs produce a large amount of toxic waste. For every
kilogram of meth produced, a minimum of 5 to 6 kilograms of toxic waste is created. Even
more staggering, this number triples (x3) for the production of MDMA! On top of that, a large
amount of atmospheric pollutants are created by the vapours left that circulate in the air. The significant volume of waste that labs produce is typically in liquid form. Cooks will dispose of this waste in different ways:
-Waste is poured down the drain where it then goes to either the city sewer system or into the septic tank and leach field on the property if dumped down the drain in significant volumes, it may be identified downstream in the sewer system by city work crews. Samples may be able to be obtained via a sewer
trap to identify the waste liquid that was dumped down the drain.
-Waste is placed into drums or pails and transported to a location, such as rural roads, where the drums and pails can be dumped.
-Waste is stored on-site until it is decided how to discard the waste. It may be stored in drums or pails.
THE TWO MOST COMMON TYPES OF CLANDESTINE LABS
Economic-based lab or “super lab” Large-scale, highly organized labs generally tied to organized crime where drugs are produced for the purpose of exporting.
Addiction-based lab or “user lab” Small-scale, makeshift labs that generally produce just enough drugs for use by themselves and their close associates.
Both types of labs operate by first obtaining the precursor chemicals and equipment required to produce the drugs. While sophisticated economic-based labs can include 55 gallon drums and scientific glassware, a smaller lab can operate simply with Pyrex dishes, improvised glassware or as simple as a soda bottle (One-Pot Method).
Perhaps the most alarming aspect when it comes to clan labs is the ease of obtaining precursor chemicals and equipment. They are obtained through retailers including hardware stores, paint supply stores,
automotive parts stores and nutrition stores to name a few. The dangers associated with making these drugs are derived from the ingredients themselves, many of which are hazardous substances.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Criminals involved in illegal drug production and clan labs need supplies. They buy them in bulk at local businesses, order on-line, and even fan out buyers who shop at different businesses to purchase smaller amounts of supplies as not to raise suspicion. Some of these supplies are raw products or pure chemicals but many ingredients come from over-the-counter products like cold medicine, dietary supplements, batteries, and even “Drano”. Common chemicals used to manufacture synthetic drugs include:
Acetone- Found in nail polish remover and in hardware stores
Ethyl Ether-Found in engine starting fluid
Hydrochloric acid-Found in pool supply as muriatic acid
Sulfuric acid -Found in battery acid or drain cleaners
Lithium- Found in batteries
Red phosphorous- Found in striker plates
Trichloroethane-Found in gun cleaner
Ephedrine /Pseudoephedrine-Found in cold medicine or dietary supplements
Anhydrous ammonia-Found in fertilizer and cold packs
Iodine crystals -Found in iodine crystals or tincture of iodine
Methanol-Found in gas tank anti-freeze
Toluene-Found in paint thinner
Sodium hydroxide-Found in “Drano” or red devil lye, lye crystals, caustic soda
Common equipment used to make these drugs can include:
Coffee Filters
Coffee Grinders
Distilled Water
Glassware
Glass or Plastic Tubing
Kitty Litter
Large Condensing
Columns
pH Test Strips /
pH Meters
Propane Tanks
Scales
Separating Funnels
Heating Mantles/Plates
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?
The presence of any single indicator may not cause concern. However, a cluster of the following indicators may be a cause for concern of the presence of a clan lab in your neighbourhood.
FROM OUTSIDE:
Odours-Pungent smells of solvents, such as black licorice and ammonia or vinegar acetic taste/odour
Windows-Covered, blacked out, or with the curtains always drawn
Vents- Staining around vent, extreme corrosion and/or unusual coloured vapour emitting from vent
Security- Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy including cameras set-up, several locks on exterior doors, and “beware of dog” signs
Garbage-Large quantities of chemical containers, bottles, metal drums, fibre( cardboard), barrels
Containers-Labels have been removed or spray painted over
Landscaping-Burn pits, stained soil, or dead vegetation indicating dumped chemicals or waste
FROM INSIDE:
Medication-Large amount of empty (ephedrine supplement packaging) cold medication containers containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
Filters- Coffee filters with white pasty substances or shiny white crystals (or reddish-brown
substance)
Kitty Litter-Excessive amounts used to soak up chemical spills
Glassware Laboratory glassware and equipment including cookware (Pyrex) or frying pans
with powdery residue and bottles with rubber tubing attached to other chemicals
Stains- Red stains on countertops, bathtubs or sinks/toilets. Discolouration corrosion/staining
due to corrosive chemicals.
Kitty Litter -Excessive amounts used to soak up chemicals spills
BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS:
Visitors: Arrive during odd hours and for short periods of time.
Residents: Either only home occasionally and for short periods of time or seem to always be home and never leave the house. They avoid contact with neighbours and only access the residence through the garage to load and unload material.
Behaviour- Appear secretive about their activities and display paranoid or odd behaviour.
Strategic- Garbage is rarely put out or put out in another neighbour’s collection. They may
also wait for the arrival of the garbage truck to bring their garbage to the curb.
WHAT DO I DO IF I ENCOUNTER A CLAN LAB?
Evacuate the premises
Do not touch or inhale anything
Do not turn on or off electrical power switches or light switches
Do not open or move containers
Do not disconnect power or water inside or to the building
Decontaminate yourself and your clothing
and wash your hands and face thoroughly –
By calling “911” your local fire department will be contacted and can respond to
assist with decontamination.
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL!
If you suspect the presence of any illegal drug activity in your community including labs,
purchasing, or toxic waste dumping:
Contact your local police or fire department
Contact Crime Stoppers (toll free) by dialing 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting
www.crimestoppers.ca. Download the free P3 Intel App available on the App Store and on Google Play to submit a new tip!