Clandestine laboratories have been found in abandoned buildings and on rural farms.  Laboratories are also being operated in single and multifamily residences in urban and suburban neighborhoods, where their toxic and explosive fumes can pose a significant threat to the health and safety of local residences.

Known clandestine laboratory locations in Wisconsin have included:

• houses/apartments
• motels/hotels
• vacation rentals
• campsites
• cars
• trucks
• trailers
• recreational vehicles
• boats
• businesses
• barns
• outbuildings
• abandoned buildings
• abandoned mines
• self-storage units
• orchards
• farm fields
• forests

What signs can indicate clandestine methamphetamine laboratory activity at a location?

• A strong smell in the area, either resembling the odor of urine or of chemicals such as ether, ammonia or acetone.
• Deliveries of trunks, chemical containers and/or basic chemistry paraphernalia such as glassware and rubber tubing.
• Large purchases of household chemicals, medication or batteries.
• Discarded materials such as fuel cans, stained coffee filters, clear glass jugs and duct tape.
• Extra efforts made to cover windows or reinforce doors at the location.
• Residents never put out any trash, or burn all their trash.
• Grass and/or plants die off in a particular area.
• There is little traffic at the location during the day, but lots of traffic at extremely late hours.
• Inhabitants at the location smoke outside away from buildings (to avoid fumes).

Who should I call if I suspect a clandestine laboratory in my neighborhood?

Contact your local police or sheriff's department.  They will know how to respond safely, and can contact the state's Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Task Force for assistance.

Wisconsin's Drug Tip/Pharmacy Hotline allows the public and pharmacists to report suspected illegal drug activity in Wisconsin. The toll-free number is 1-800-NAB-DRUGS (622-3784).