Clandestine Drug Labs

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Clandestine Drug Labs : 

Clandestine Drug Labs

Extent of Problem : 

Extent of Problem $175 of raw materials 1 pound of pure methamphetamine $32,000 street value

Clandestine Drug Labs : 

Clandestine Drug Labs 85% of activity is in three states: California Oregon Texas

Clandestine Drug Labs : 

Clandestine Drug Labs Calls to investigate “unusual odors” Dried cat urine Cat litter Rotten garbage

Clandestine Drug Labs : 

Clandestine Drug Labs Responses to overdoses Responses to corrosive exposures or burns that are poorly explained

Clandestine Drug Labs : 

Clandestine Drug Labs Windows covered with plastic, cardboard, or paint “Chemistry lab” glassware

Clandestine Drug Labs : 

Clandestine Drug Labs 20% are detected when they explode or catch fire The “routine” structure or vehicle fire may turn out to NOT be so routine!

Everything associated with an clandestine drug lab is hazardous! : 

Everything associated with an clandestine drug lab is hazardous!

Hazards : 

Hazards Chemical Flammables Corrosives Compressed gases Toxins Cyanide Phosgene

Hazards : 

Hazards Physical Unstable containers Confined spaces, obstacles Poor or absent ventilation Slippery footing

Hazards : 

Hazards Electrical Exposed wiring Reversed switches, rheostats

Hazards : 

Hazards Biological Attack dogs (10% of labs) Venomous animals

Hazards : 

Hazards Booby traps Grenades on trip wires Fish hooks hung at eye level Punji pits Explosives connected to electrical switches Crossbows and spear guns on trip wires

Hazards : 

Hazards Booby traps Contact explosives Acid containers on door jambs Creative carpentry

Operations : 

Operations Unattended lab is most dangerous Some processes take up to 72 hours Operators set up reactions, leave Impossible to determine stage process is in or how to shut it down

Operations : 

Operations Touch nothing! Attempt to turn off nothing! Get out as quickly as possible! Do NOT use your radio until you are out of and well away from lab!

Operations : 

Operations Lab, area containing any personnel or equipment in contact with lab is HAZMAT HOT zone! Vehicles that have come in contact with equipment, people that entered lab are part of HOT zone!

Response should include : 

Response should include Local law enforcement DEA EPA Fire department first alarm response HAZMAT team Police EOD unit Local health department Additional EMS units EMS supervisory personnel

Operations : 

Operations Drug lab incidents are multi-agency operations! Time to plan for them is BEFORE lab is discovered!

Operations : 

Operations Stable patient: Leave lab Remain in hot zone with patient until HAZMAT team arrives Do NOT return to ambulance if it is outside hot zone Follow HAZMAT team instructions regarding decon

Operations : 

Operations Unstable patient: Advise hospital of situation Request HAZMAT response to hospital to conduct decon there Hospital personnel who contact patient, you, or your equipment will require decon

Operations : 

Operations Evacuate structures on all sides of lab If fire or spill is present, evacuate downwind If structure is burning, protect exposures; let it burn! Consider spread, effects of runoff

Operations : 

Operations Wait on DEA chemist before making decisions to cut off power, gas, or water Gas, power, water should be shut off from well outside building In some cases chemist may recommend withdrawing, waiting for process to complete

Operations : 

Operations Personnel monitoring EMS should monitor everyone working in the hot zone Everyone leaving the hot zone should be evaluated after decontamination

Operations : 

Operations Danger signs Nausea Vomiting Headache Flushed face Burning of nose, throat, lungs Drowsiness Numbness, tingling of lips Blurred vision

Operations : 

Operations Drug labs are crime scenes Protect the evidence!