Clues that a clan lab might be operating near you
Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive, powerful stimulant. It has serious social, economic and environmental consequences.
Police are focused on breaking down local and international crime syndicates, and disrupting the production, importation and distribution of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine is manufactured in New Zealand in clandestine (secret) drug laboratories, known as "clan labs", or imported in crystal form.
On this page are some tips to help you identify a clan lab, and what to do if you find one.
How to identify a clan lab from outside
How to identify a clan lab from inside
If you find a clan lab - get out
Exposure to chemicals
Clandestine drug laboratory hazards
See more information and images about how to identify a clan lab. [PDF 442KB]
From the outside
Chemical smells coming from a house or building. The smells can be sweet, bitter, ammonia or solvent smells.
Exhaust fans running at odd times.
Lots of rubbish around the outside of a house, garage or detached building on a property - especially empty containers or chemical containers.
Frequent visitors at odd times - mostly at night.
Windows blacked out or curtains always drawn
People coming outside only to smoke (because of the fumes inside).
Unfriendly occupants who are secretive about their activities or exhibit paranoid or odd behaviour.
Expensive security and surveillance gear
Access denied to landlords, neighbours and other visitors
Rubbish containing a large amount of cold medication containers or packaging, bottles, plastic containers and boxes with labels removed.
From inside
Laboratory glassware, equipment and documents
Containers with clear liquids in them with a chalky coloured solid on the bottom or similar
Containers with two layered liquids in them, one dark coloured layer and one clear or pale yellow layer
Used coffee filters containing either a white pasty or reddish brown substance
Baking dishes or similar containing a white crystalline substance
The presence of hotplates near chemicals
If you find a clan lab - get out
Get away from the area immediately - your safety is the most important thing. Clan Labs are never safe.
Never taste, touch or smell any chemicals or equipment
Do not attempt to stop the chemical reaction
Do not turn any electrical devices such as lights or fan on or off. The simple act of turning on an electrical switch could cause an explosion.
Do not shut off the water supply to the house or the chemical reaction.
Do not smoke in or near a clandestine laboratory
Do not use tools, radios, cell-phones, torches or devices that produce sparks or friction.
Call the Police.
Do not go back inside.
Exposure to chemicals found in clandestine laboratories can result in:
- Headaches
- Watery or burning eyes
- Nausea
- Burning Skin
- Coughing or Choking
- Pain in diaphragm
- Feeling of coldness or weakness
- Shortness of breath/dizziness
- Decrease in cognitive function, vertigo and convulsions.
Seek medical advice immediately if you experience any adverse effects linked to hazardous substance exposure
Clandestine Drug Laboratory Hazards
| Explosive: | Can be unstable and/or sensitive to hear or shock |
| Flammable: | Can ignite from any spark flame or hot surface |
| Oxidising: | Can react with contaminants |
| Spills can catch fire | |
| Corrosive: | Can burn skin or destroy eyesight |
| Toxic: | Can poison by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact |
| Eco-toxic: | Can harm plants, animals and fish |
| Infections: | Can cause adverse bodily reactions |
| Radioactive: | Treat as toxic substance. Keep exposure to a minimum |
See more information and images about how to identify a clan lab. [PDF 442KB]
