“Reports show 156 labs and dump sites were reported in the state last month, (January, 2002) compared with 141 in January 2001" (Dad arrested in meth bust, Peninsula Daily News, February 7, 2002)

The intent of this section is to help identify where meth labs can be found (almost anywhere) and what to do if you suspect you have stumbled on one.

This section also illustrates the hard facts: we are in the midst of a meth epidemic. Pierce County now has the third largest number of meth labs in the nation. Tacoma police and Pierce County sheriff’s deputies expect to spend more than $300,000 this year processing meth labs.

If you have questions about illegal drug labs, please call 1-880-5TOXICS.

If you would like to report a meth lab: Call the hotline at: 1-888-609-6384

"Once a house, apartment or hotel room has been used to manufacture meth, hiring a certified contractor to clean it is required. The costs can run into the thousands." (Meth problem large and far-reaching, The Chronicle, November 24, 2001)

"'Nearly 95 percent of all meth users are addicted to the drug after six months of abusing it', said sheriff's Lt. Chan Bailey. 'Nationally, 80 percent of all meth lab property busts take ploace on rental property', Bailey said." (Range of meth problems is staggering, Spokesman Review, October 11, 2001) 

"'A lab is a lab, and if you're producing an ounce or 2 ounces, the danger is there as much as if it's a pound or 2 pounds,' said Debora Podkowa, a federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent in Portland and a regional expert on meth labs. 'oftentimes smaller labs have more hazards. You open the fridge and find the chemicals next to little Johnny's lunch.'" (Cold pills a hot topic in meth fight, The Seattle Times, September 10, 2001)