Crystal meth lab  

The production procedure for making methamphetamine from precursor substances is more accessible than ever today.

Available online are thousands of recipes and information about making meth.

It only needs an investment of a few hundred dollars in over the counter medications and other chemicals can produce thousands of dollars worth of meth. 

Some common ingredients used in crystal meth labs are over the counter medication that contains ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, lye, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorous, drain cleaner, battery acid,  lantern fuel, and antifreeze.

Clandestine crystal meth labs can be found anywhere from rural apartment to the back of a car.  However to clean out an existing crystal meth lab used to make meth could cost over one hundred thousand dollars.

There are many catastrophic accidents that are associated with the illegal manufacturing of these drugs.

There have been reported cases such as automobile accidents, explosions and fires triggered by the illegal manufacture of crystal meth. 

There is also the possibility of environmental contamination that may be the result of in appropriate disposal of waste material used in the process of manufacturing the crystal meth.

A pound of crystal meth can produce about six pounds of toxic waste. These manufacturers often pour these waster chemicals and other unwanted byproduct down drains, toilets, streams, or directly onto the ground.  

Some of the solvents uses in this manufacturing process are known to pose long term hazard to the environment due to their persistence in soil and water for years.

Due to the aggressive behavior that is commonly linked with meth use, addicts are involved in criminal activity such as domestic violence, robberies and other violent activities.

Crystal meth labs produce strong odors similar to that of nail polish remover. Meth cooks usually rent rooms paying cash, and always keep windows and doors closed or tinted for privacy. 

They often have items such as antifreeze; drain cleaner, filters, batteries, clear glass beakers and containers available.

These crystal meth labs often have a presence of little traffic during the day, while there is a lot of traffic at night.

The occupants usually are seen leaving their premises to smoke, something that cannot be done in the presence of the chemicals they are using.