Tracking down and raiding a meth lab presents a unique set of problems and responsibilities for law enforcement. It is important to gather as much information as possible prior to the raid, as the more you know about the situation you’re going into the safer you are.

Meth labs are located in all states and all types of locations, but typically they fall into one of two main categories. “Super labs” are large well equipped facilities with a highly trained large staff, whereas “mom and pop” labs are usually run by meth users and produce much less in terms of quantity.

These “mom and pop” labs are usually more dangerous, and due to the untrained, chemically altered staff and primitive equipment, sometimes chemical reactions occur that can lead to fires or explosions. No one should touch or smell anything during the raid. Even seemingly small things like cigarettes or electrical switches can trigger an explosion, so it is important to go in prepared. If worst comes to worst, one way to protect yourself in these situations is a fire retardant base layer, like an XGO “FROG” Mock, or a Tru-Spec Combat Shirt, that feature no-melt, no-drip fabrics to keep molten fibers from fusing to your skin and causing aggravated burns.

Aside from the risk of explosions and fires, hazardous waste is also created from meth production. Inside the facility the workers can be exposed in addition to the unsupervised children that are often present. Sanitation workers can be exposed when disposing of the lab’s garbage. This waste can be exposed to the community at large if the facility is well ventilated. A hazardous materials cleanup team may be required.

Meth can be produced by using a variety of easily accessible sources, and knowing who is buying these products and in what quantity can help you to identify a meth lab. Enlisting the assistance of the community to help detect these signals can be an invaluable resource. Apparently vacant residences that have unusually large quantities of garbage, unusually large number of deliveries, or unusually high energy demands can be signals of a meth lab. Even certain smells can generate suspicion; cat urine, rotten eggs, garlic, nail polish, and hospital smell can all be indicators.

If possible, it is ideal to gather information from an arrested meth user or cook so as to determine where and how to approach the lab. Knowing how many people are there, if the lab is booby trapped or if the staff is well armed can make all the difference. It is also advisable to bring a social worker along in case there are children present. During the raid itself, it’s important to coordinate with other agencies to ensure a smooth, well planed raid with as little risk as possible.