INTEV aims to provide practical guidance on the assessment, testing, management, remediation and evaluation of clandestine drug laboratories and hydroponic plantations in NSW. Protection of public health, specifically the future occupants of the premises is our focus.
One of the main issues is that the process of manufacturing methamphetamine results in the generation of aerosols that can potentially spread throughout a home and deposit (and can be absorbed) as a residue on hard and soft surfaces. Without any site remediation, these residues may persist for months and sometimes years, which in turn may result in exposures and cause potentially adverse health effects to individuals who enter the premises or later re-occupy the premises.
Using our experience and knowledge we are able to identify the key indicators of current or past operation of a clandestine drug laboratory
We can prepare a remediation plan for the property which involves several key steps:
Indicators that a clandestine drug laboratory may be involved include unusual security measures, such as extensive locks and surveillance, as well as odd ventilation setups like blacked-out windows. Distinctive odours, such as those resembling acetone, ammonia, or a sour "cat urine" smell, are also strong indicators.
Observable signs include large quantities of matches, numerous empty cold medication packages, and containers with suspicious liquids, either layered or with solids. The presence of caustic substances like drain cleaners and iodine, along with materials from cold packs, further suggests illicit activity. Equipment commonly found includes coffee filters, stained sheets or clothing, signs of chemical reactions (e.g., burns or residue), altered propane tanks, various glassware, heating devices like camp stoves, tubing, and compressed gas tanks. These indicators collectively point to the potential operation of a clandestine drug lab.
A clandestine drug laboratory is a covert facility used to produce illegal drugs or their precursors. These labs can range from simple, makeshift setups employing basic methods to sophisticated operations equipped with advanced technology and facilities. Health NSW released a guideline in September 2015 aimed at protecting the public, particularly future occupants of affected premises, and assisting regulators, environmental health officers (EHOs), and consultants in identifying and managing the risks associated with these labs. More detailed information about the issues, indicators, and investigative procedures related to clandestine drug labs and plantations can be found in the guideline.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/hazard/Documents/clan-lab-guidelines.pdf
A clandestine process involves the covert production of illicit drugs, primarily methamphetamine, through several distinct stages – cooking, separating, and salting out. In the cooking stage, chemicals such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are heated with other substances using devices like hot plates, fryers, or camp stoves to produce methamphetamine. The separation stage involves extracting the methamphetamine in liquid form and filtering out solids using materials like coffee filters or cloth. In the salting out stage, the liquid methamphetamine reacts with hydrochloric acid to form a wet solid, which is then dried, often using methods like wringing in a mop bucket.
Some clandestine labs may include an additional stage to convert methamphetamine into crystal form, known as "ice," using solvents like acetone. Identifying these labs typically involves finding specialised equipment and chemicals. Furthermore, these operations generate significant amounts of hazardous waste, with up to 10 kg of waste produced for every 1 kg of drug, often illegally disposed of in water bodies, public lands, or by burning.
