In a message dated 5/13/2003 6:28:43 PM Pacific Standard Time, rides2far@xxxxxxxx writes:
This is going to present a whole
new challenge to avoid. What are the signs? You gotta have running water
for a still. What does a meth lab need?
On the trail the meth lab will be in little shacks, trailers, or shanties. Not out and open to the air. Usually there will be lots of trash around outside. They need several different containers for making their "product" so there is usually a lot of glassware, tubs, etc. Some with left over liquid, it may even be layered (don't touch or get close to this stuff). There is usually a very "chemical" smell in the air. They have to cook this product and it releases some very noxious and poisonous fumes. When you fly over a meth. lab sometimes you'll notice that the tree limbs nearest the lab are dead from all the fumes.
The meth. cookers buy a lot of cold medicine (sudafed, etc.). They need the ephedrine to make meth. They also use drano in the process and iodine (which is what they try and get from the feed stores).
Meth. freaks, tweakers, cranksters, they are really bad people. The dope makes them do crazy stuff. They hallucinate, they don't feel pain, and are just plain whacked out. If you find one or a lab in the woods, got the other way........quickly. Do not try to talk or reason with them, just leave and notify local law enforcement.
The No. California Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are full of these folks. Most set them up off the beaten path, and will stay there, so use caution when exploring that seldom used trail. : )
