Response to “One-Pot” Meth Labs

BY AUGUST VERNON

The “One-Pot” or “Shake-and-Bake” methamphetamine (meth) production method has led to the decrease in the number of “traditional” clandestine drug labs in the United States. One-pot or shake-and-bake cooks have become popular because this method of production necessitates smaller amounts of ingredients, resources, time, and knowledge and fewer skills. The concern for firefighters and first responders is that this more simplified process has increased the potential for fires, explosions, spills, and chemical exposures.

• Responding to a Clandestine Drug Laboratory
• Free Training: Meth Labs, Meth Lab Response, and Meth Users Program
• Clandestine Drug Labs Present Hidden Dangers for Firefighters
• Firefighting in Clandestine Drug Labs

A meth lab manufactures illegal, controlled drugs or substances. Pseudoephedrine, a drug used in over-the-counter cold medicines, is the primary ingredient in manufacturing methamphetamine. Up to now, this lab has been the most common type of facility emergency responders encountered. Historically, meth labs have been found in every type of geographic and socioeconomic area and in single- and multiple-family dwellings, motel rooms, campgrounds, mini-storage buildings, and motor vehicles.

With the onset of the one-pot method, this process can now be undertaken anywhere. All the ingredients can be mixed in a one- or two-liter bottle. The bottles can be shaken, degassed a few times, and cooled off.

(1) A simulated meth lab setup used for training. (Photo by author.)

SAFETY CONCERNS

Meth is very simple and inexpensive to make. Most cooks learn to cook meth from other cooks in jail/prison or even on the Internet. Unlike other drugs where there can be competition among gangs and dealers, meth cooks at times act as co-ops for each other.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in 2011 there were 10,287 meth laboratory incidents reported in the United States. This includes labs, dumpsites, and chemical/glass/equipment discoveries. Using the shake-and-bake method, cooking meth can now be done in 30 minutes vs. hours and can be completed while driving around in a vehicle. In many areas of the country, the one-pot method is very popular.

Some of the safety concerns for responders (fire, emergency medical services, and law enforcement) include the following:

• If these bottles rupture or burst, they can cause a large fireball and rapidly moving fire.
• The reaction can cause pressure to build up and cause the bottle to rupture.
• Poisonous and dangerous gases can be produced during and after the process.
• After the cooking process, these bottles will be discarded and dumped, but they still present a fire or a hazardous materials hazard.

Incidents have occurred where the cooks have been burned, blinded, injured, or even killed. This has led to an increase in burns and severe burn patients who require burn center care. Responders are exposed to the dangers of fires, burns, hazardous gases, and combative individuals.

RESPONSE GUIDELINES

If there are warning signs or indicators of meth production, do not touch or move any bottles or containers. The residue or materials left over may be dangerous to touch or inhale. The one- and two-liter bottles can still burst, rupture, catch fire, or give off dangerous fumes and liquids. The presence of the following items are cues that the area may be a one-pot meth-producing facility: funnels for mixing products, camping fuel, hydrogen peroxide, pseudoephedrine (cold/sinus) medicines, lithium metals (batteries), sodium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate, and one- or two-liter clear plastic bottles.

As noted, the bottles can present serious physical and biological hazards to emergency responders, and the people who cook meth are not only criminals but also can be erratic and violent. Bloodborne pathogen risks may be present in the forms of used needles, broken glass, and scalpels. Be very cautious when dealing with these individuals because they have a high incidence rate of the following communicable diseases: human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, tuberculosis, cholera, and infectious skin disorders. Wear proper personal protective equipment when dealing with meth users for medical responses.

Unless you are requested to stand by at a law enforcement drug lab “take down,” most drug lab incidents are usually reported as other 911 emergencies. The following are some examples: medical aid calls with burn or smoke-inhalation victims, “man down” calls, structure fires, and rubbish fires perhaps accompanied by explosions or “loud booms” reported by 911 callers. They may also be reported as investigation calls for smoke, odors, illegal dumping, or sick buildings. The best advice for recognizing a clandestine laboratory is to note if common household items are present in very unusual quantities. Attention to detail can save your life!

Another major indicator of a meth lab is the presence of large amounts of cold tablet punch/blister packs that list ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as the primary medicinal ingredient. Remember that pseudoephedrine is a precursor ingredient for the manufacture of meth. Look also for the following:

• Bottles containing clear liquid with white or red solids on the bottom.
• Coffee filters containing a white pasty substance, dark red sludge, or small amounts of shiny white crystals.
• Bottles labeled as containing sulfuric, muriatic, or hydrochloric acid.
• Bottles or jars with rubber tubing attached.
• Glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue.
• An unusually large number of cans of camp fuel, paint thinner, acetone, starting fluid, lye, and drain cleaners containing sulfuric acid.
• Large amounts of lithium batteries, especially if they have been stripped.
• Soft silver or gray metallic ribbon (in chunk form) stored in oil or kerosene.
• Propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue or green.
• A strong smell of urine or unusual chemical smells like ether, ammonia, or acetone.
• During the cooking process, the bottles can contain multiple layered and colored chemicals and lithium strips and will also produce heat and moisture. Once the cooking process is completed, the bottles will contain residue, wet powders, and even materials that look like wet cat litter.

Clandestine drug labs can cause several types of harm: physical injury from explosions, fires, chemical burns, and toxic fumes; environmental hazards; and child endangerment. Preparation is the key to a safe and successful response, and that includes a clear idea of your action plan before the incident occurs. The first step should be to provide proper training to all response personnel; include building an awareness of the hazards and risks associated with clandestine drug labs. Follow your local guidelines and procedures when responding to these incidents.

If you find a drug lab when entering a structure or at a vehicle, alert other responders on the scene without delay, and do not touch anything, including light switches. Back out immediately, and watch for antipersonnel devices and other hazards. If possible, bring all occupants out with you.

If you suspect a one-pot operation, alert local law enforcement; the area should be secured. If responding to a working fire in a structure or a vehicle containing a known lab, it is a good idea to conduct rescues, protect exposures, and let the chemicals burn. This will depend on your local guidelines. Attempting to control the fire may be very hazardous. Runoff may be an issue.

If the fire is small, use dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers, depending on your local guidelines and training.

If the initial fire attack is in progress when the location is identified as a lab, withdraw the attack teams, and shift from an offensive to a defensive operation. Evacuate all structures surrounding the incident, and initiate hazmat zones (hot, warm, and cold). Discontinue overhaul, and leave the structure if chemicals and drug apparatus are found.

Consider decontamination before anyone enters. Have a decon plan before entering. Use care when interacting with meth users. Keep the following points in mind:

• You have happened on an illegal activity, which is also a crime scene.
• If you encounter a clan lab, identify it as such and follow regular hazardous materials response procedures or guidelines. During the cooking process, the bottles can contain multiple layered and colored chemicals and lithium strips and will also produce heat and moisture. Once the cooking process is completed, the bottles will contain residue, wet powders, and even materials that look like wet cat litter.
• Position all response personnel and vehicles upwind, and keep all other people out of the area.
• Notify local law enforcement immediately.

  • If your jurisdiction has a hazardous materials response team, you may have to call it to the scene to assist with decon and setting up the “control zones.” On its arrival, brief the members of your findings and actions. Support and assist them as needed.

  • Institute Unified Command.

Safety is paramount for all responders during these types of events. Again, remember to follow local guidelines and procedures. These recommended procedures are not intended to be all inclusive, nor should they preclude the responders on site from exercising good judgment as the operational conditions dictate. The more you prepare for these incidents, the better you will be able to effectively manage any type of clandestine lab situation you might encounter.

● AUGUST VERNON is the operations officer for a large County Office of Emergency Management. He has served in emergency management for 13 years and as a career firefighter and an instructor. He served a year in Iraq as a security contractor conducting route clearance and long-range convoy security operations for the U.S. Army. He was a U.S. Army CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) operations specialist for four years. He instructs in incident management, mass violence/mass shootings, emergency & crisis management, and terrorism planning-response. Vernon is a technical reviewer for an emergency film group and is the author of First Responder’s Critical Incident Field Guide (Red Hat Publishing).