Chemistry

Clandestine Drug Laboratories: Knowing one is near
Clandestine drug laboratories are usually established to produce illegal narcotics, particularly metamphetamine. It is uncommon to find a covert facility making materials used by terrorists, such as TATP, ricin and sarin, all used by terrorist elements in their crimes. These laboratory facilities may be set up in a variety of locations, such motel rooms and mobile homes. The laboratories can be mobile, as they can be loaded in recreational vehicles or in the trunks of passenger cars.

Some of the signs that a clandestine illegal facility is operating in an area is the presence of scents akin to nail polish. This is because one of the chemicals used in the production of metamphetamine of Methyl ethyl ketone, a common chemical that is utilized by operators of clandestine drug facilities in the manufacture of illegal  narcotics. But one must be wary and avoid investigating the matter on one's own. There is the chance that the operators of the laboratories may be still on the premises, and may be heavily armed. Also, since the drugs give off a scent of the drugs that may be producing, it is not impossible that they may be paranoid and may harm the uninvited guest.

Also, it is noted that the property, if the laboratory is in a fixed location, such as a residence, the property may also display large amounts of traps that may be linked to bombs designed to kill any person that may intrude on the premises. These bombs may be connected to explosives or to chemical bombs. A large number of dogs on the premises may be another sign of a covert laboratory, as these may serve as guard dogs that the operators use in the guarding of the facility. Finally, a more visual sign is the presence of armed individuals on the property or ingressing or leaving the property, If these conditions are met, then the property may be home to a covert illegal drug manufacturing facility.