Lab work: Police go to meth class

Amid glass beakers, empty chemical bottles and hot plates, members of the Salt Lake City Police Narcotics Squad suited up for hands-on training Wednesday to practice disassembling and dismantling an active clandestine methamphetamine lab.

The purpose was to provide officers an opportunity to try their hand at what they already know, and to give them a chance to practice enough that "in a real situation they won't second-guess themselves," said Sgt. Ryan Atack. He said the location was loaned to the police department in order to simulate "an as-real-as-possible meth lab scenario."

Salt Lake police have busted six meth labs so far this year. During the past three weeks, there have been 13 discoveries and take-downs of such drug operations in the Salt Lake Valley.

"Our numbers are still way down from what they uncovered in 1997 and 1998, when they busted 60 in the year," Atack said. He said the stats are lower now because of laws that limit the amount of chemicals that can be purchased by one person.

The squad set up and took down the makeshift lab near 1850 N. 2200 West a number of times during the afternoon and into the evening to allow all officers a chance to practice and certify in different situations. Atack said various situations could include an actual explosion, low light, a "boxed-up" lab or a fully operational cooking lab.

Neighbors of potential drug labs can be on the watch for homes that emit a smell similar to that of cat urine, Atack said. Another indicator is what he calls "short-stay traffic," or cars that come and go without staying for a long time. He said another sign could be that people living in the home go outside to smoke so as to not create a flammable situation indoors.

He said the appearance of the home is often unkempt and is very messy inside.

"Their main concern is making the product, not feeding the kids and keeping the place clean," Atack said.

In a typical situation, Atack said two officers would enter the home "to assess and discern safety risks." Two officers would remain outside in case of an explosion that would turn into a rescue operation. The squad would photograph the lab as it was found and then attempt to remove all components of the production, including the gas burners, glass bulbs and tubing that carries the gases to a deadly collection point, called the gas bag or "bag of death." It contains dangerous chemical gases such as hydrochloride, phosphane gas and ammonia.

Atack said the first concern is the safety of the officers. For an actual bust, officers are clothed in plastic body suits, heavy rubber gloves and airtight shoe coverings. They are also hooked up to an alternate oxygen source.

After the clearing is complete, the health department is called in to assess damages on the home. It is often condemned until a thorough and rather costly cleaning can be done.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com