| Life or Meth- Oklahoma
City Meth Task Force
The
Oklahoma City Police Meth Team
participate in a mock clandestine lab search warrant. Officers from the
team are wearing special protective suits to protect them against the toxic
chemicals used in the illegal manufacturing of meth. The team members also
use a special breathing apparatus to protect them from breathing the hazardous
fumes from the toxic chemicals.
After
the mock raid, the team members are decontaminated by fire
officials. The Fire Department also has protective clothing and masks to
protect themselves from any toxic chemicals and odors. The suits worn by
the team members are then destroyed and the equipment is decontaminated.
Often, the
team members will find household and automotive chemicals in the clandestine
labs that are used to illegally manufacture methamphetamine. Combined
these chemicals present several dangers from health to fire hazards.
Various
glassware, funnels, and tubing are also often found at clandestine lab
sites. These items also present various health hazards as they are
commonly used to "cook" the methamphetamines. They may be
covered with toxic material and should not be touched or picked up. They
may also be found in trash cans, dumpsters, or simply on the side of the
roads.
| Oklahoma City statistics: |
1997 - 10 |
| Meth Labs Processed: |
1998 - 66 |
| |
1999 - 112 |
| |
2000 - 153 |
|
Through 11-01- |
2001 - 163 |
|