According to St Johns County Sheriff Sgt. Chuck Mulligan, “There are pockets in the county where larger labs are more likely to be. With individuals creating ‘mobile labs,’ which can be placed in a duffle bag and taken on the go, Methamphetamine can be anywhere.” Although Methamphetamine may not be made in your neighborhood, it doesn’t mean it’s not a problem.
Methamphetamine for “Business”
“Larger labs are for business, rather than making a small amount at a time,” says Mulligan, “A large lab might take up an entire room in a house with gallons of chemicals on hand, where a smaller lab might only consist of a one liter bottle.” Larger labs are more volatile and potentially explosive, smaller labs and mobile labs are more likely made for self use.
Signs of a Methamphetamine Lab
“Everyone knows what the normal smell of their neighborhood is. This smell (Meth Lab) is a caustic, chemical smell, something to be concerned about and report,” says Mulligan. If you notice a combination of signs such as:
- Ventilation fans
- Occupants always smoke outside (if they smoke)
- A high frequency of multiple visitors that only stay for a few moments or visitors do not enter
- Occupants are burning their own trash and it causes a caustic, chemical or plastic smell
- Occupants maintain a level of secrecy, are the windows blocked or blacked out?
“Individually these signs are harmless, in combination it’s something to pay attention to,” says Mulligan.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient, individuals will go from store to store, sometimes right across the street from one another. Pharmacies have a database, but don’t necessarily know if an individual bought from another store. Ten people can walk into a pharmacy and buy a couple packs and bring them back to one person for mixing.
What Methamphetamine Looks Like
Methamphetine, or more commonly referred to as “Meth,” “Crystal Meth,” “Crank,” or “Ice,” by users and has a crystal like look to it, almost like giant rock salt. Color is determined by the chemicals used in the manufacturing process and is commonly found in white, yellow or pink varieties.
Harm comes from the exposure
Meth users commonly have scars on their face and have something called “Meth mouth.” Meth mouth refers to their loss of tooth enamel caused by Meth, which corrodes teeth and turns them black. Meth users are primarily in their mid to upper 20’s and beyond and are from all walks of life.
How Meth is used
Some users inject Meth, while others smoke or snort the substance. A less popular, but possible method of using meth is as a suppository.
A priority in St Johns County
“Meth started out West, we have only been seeing it in St Johns County in the past number of years,” says Mulligan, “With the economic downturn, Meth is a cheap, readily available way to get high for someone who may have been a cocaine or marijuana user in the past.” Narcotics teams are training deputies and the community on how to avoid Meth exposure. The St Johns County Sheriff has a large team of deputies, from all spectrums of law enforcement trained on dealing with meth that is always on call.
Cleanup process
Law enforcement goes in and cleans an area until it is no longer a danger to the public. If a landlord rents a property and it becomes a Meth lab, the property owner is responsible for the cleanup. Once the area is secured, law enforcement in protective suits can start the cleaning process. Suits are taped at the wrists and ankles to create a “super seal” and keep chemicals out.
Expense is in the clean up
The protective suits used by law enforcement to cleanup a Meth lab cost $150 each and are one time use only. After each Meth lab cleanup all materials used in the process must be discarded. The $150 suits, bags and equipment used in the cleanup process must be incinerated on the spot. Law enforcement exposed to Meth without a protective suit will be decontaminated on the scene by Fire Rescue who is called in to conduct a “wash down” with a fire hose. Cleanup is a non-stop process; nothing used in cleanup can be stored.
If you think you spotted Meth or a Meth Lab
Do not handle any suspicious items. Meth is highly volatile and can explode if exposed to heat or simply moved. Call the St Johns County at 904-824-8304.
Celebrities who used Meth
Fergie (Stacy Ferguson) from the Black Eyed Peas is the most well known and has openly discussed her one time struggle in various interviews. Jodie Sweetin who played Stephanie Tanner on 80’s sitcom “Full House” has also admitted to Meth use. Ryan O’Neal actor and long time beau to Farrah Fawcett was allegedly busted with meth in his Malibu home in 2008. Famous Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss was charged with possession of Meth in 2008. Eddie Van Halen, Yasmin Bleeth and Robert Downy Jr. have also allegedly had run-ins with Meth.
