Clandestine drug labs

What is a clandestine drug lab?

A clandestine drug lab is a location used to illegally produce illicit substances. It may involve mixing chemicals to create drugs, or pressing powders into pills. Most often, clandestine drug labs are used to make synthetic drugs.

Synthetic drugs include methamphetamine (meth), fentanyl, and MDMA ("ecstasy"). Much of Canada's meth, fentanyl and MDMA supply is produced domestically by organized crime groups.

If you suspect illegal drug activity in your community, do not investigate. Contact the local police.

Possible locations of clandestine labs

Clandestine labs can be found almost anywhere, but are often found in:

Residential properties
Rural properties (such as farms, barns, sheds)
Commercial properties
Warehouses
Vehicles (such as car trunks, truck boxes)

The smaller labs, such as those in the trunk of a vehicle, can be the most dangerous because of their simplicity and portability. Ingredients can be mixed in drinking bottles that can become volatile and explosive.

Dangers of a clandestine lab

Clandestine labs can pose great dangers to people who live in and around them, first responders, and lab operators.

Potential risks include:

Fires and explosions
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Poisoned, contaminated, and/or oxygen-deficient air
Contaminated walls
Contaminated well water
Electrical hazards
Leaking and/or damaged compressed gas cylinders and chemical containers
Potential for booby traps

Signs of a clandestine lab

Property indicators from outside

Pungent smells such as black licorice, ammonia (for example, cat urine), or vinegar
Unusual repetitive thumping sounds that could indicate a pill press machine
Windows always covered, blacked out
Staining around vents, extreme corrosion, and/or unusual-coloured vapour emitting from vents
Exhaust fans running at odd times
Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy including cameras, multiple locks on doors, and "beware of dog" signs
Garbage is rarely put out, is put out in a neighbour's collection, or is inconsistent with the building use (for example, frequent disposal of chemical containers, metal drums, fibre/ cardboard barrels from a residence). Occupants may also wait to bring their garbage directly to the garbage truck.
Labels on containers have been removed or spray-painted over
Burn pits, stained soil, or dead vegetation may indicate dumped chemicals or hazardous waste

Property indicators from inside

White or coloured powder on walls, floors, countertops, furniture, and/or vents
Large amount of empty cold medication containers containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
Red stains on countertops, bathtubs, sinks, and/or toilets
Laboratory glassware, including cookware (for example, Pyrex), or frying pans with powdery residue
Bottles with tubing attached to other bottles/ chemicals
Coffee filters with white pasty substances, shiny white crystals, or reddish-brown substances
Excessive amounts of kitty litter (used to soak up chemical spills)

Behavioural indicators - occupants

Either only home occasionally and for short periods of time, or seem to always be home and never leave
Avoid contact with neighbours
Only access the residence through the garage to load and unload material
Appear secretive about their activities and display paranoid or odd behaviour
Reluctant to allow landlords to inspect the property
Pay rent in cash
Frequently wear personal protective equipment (such as filtration masks, safety glasses, coveralls)

Behavioural indicators - visitors

Unusual visitor behaviour (for example, no visitors, or frequent visitors who arrive during odd hours and/or stay for short periods of time)

Note

Any one indicator may not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice more than one of the following indicators, you should consider notifying the police.

What to do if you encounter a clandestine 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

How to report it