Police are asking for help in the fight against methamphetamine and encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour that might indicate a clan lab is operating.
Known as P labs, clandestine laboratories or clan labs, police say that there are some tell-tale signs to look for.
Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls says the first thing to remember is that if you accidentally stumble upon a clan lab then you should get out immediately.
"Don't stop to touch anything and don't switch anything on or off, not even the lights."
The chemicals used to make methamphetamine are toxic and volatile and the 'cooking' process is dangerous. These labs are full of highly flammable chemicals.
Signs that a clan lab could be operating are
• 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.
• People visiting at unusual times
• Blacked out windows or curtains drawn all day.
"Our Methamphetamine Control Strategy has police in every district working on catching the manufacturers and "cooks" that set up these dangerous labs," Mr Nicholls said.
The control strategy has been in place since 1 November 2009. There was a 15 percent increase in methamphetamine related offences between November 2009 and September this year compared to the same period in the two previous years and a 17 percent increase in apprehensions across the same period.
Police have dismantled 115 clan labs to October this year.
Mr Nicholls said Police are focused on destroying the production and distribution of methamphetamine in New Zealand and believe that the community can help in this work.
"This week we are encouraging people to report any activity that would indicate a clan lab is operating."
The community can help police detect clan labs by calling their local Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they think a clan lab is operating somewhere near them.
Crimestoppers is an anonymous alternative to calling Police and means that you can do the right thing without telling anyone your name.
"Don't stand by while someone cooks up meth in your neighbourhood," Mr Nicholls said.
More Information on how to recognise a clan lab is available on the Police website www.police.govt.nz/advice/drugs-and-alcohol/methamphetamine-and-law#anchor4
Police in New Zealand and Australia are working with Crimestoppers in both countries over the next few weeks to promote awareness around the dangers of manufacturing methamphetamine and the options for people to report suspicious activity.
ENDS
Media note: Media have been invited to film/photograph a mock up of a clandestine lab at 10am today. Media are to report to reception at Harlech House, 482 Great South Road, Otahuhu.
For more information
Jane Archibald 027 5680267