Clandestine Laboratory Community Awareness Project

A clandestine laboratory (clab Lab) is an illicit operation involving a combination of apparatus and chemicals that have been or could be used in the manufacture of dangerous drugs.  The most prevalent drug produced in clandestine laboratories in Queensland is methylamphetamine.

Clandestine laboratories are extremely volatile and can explode, ignite and emit odourless and colourless lethal gases.   Chemicals used in clandestine laboratories produce toxic compounds and by-products.  These compounds can be ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled.  Exposure can result in headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, lack of coordination, eye and skin irritation, burns or death.

The Clandestine Laboratory Community Awareness Project has been funded by the National Drug Strategy Law Enforcement Funding Committee.  The project is aimed at enhancing community awareness of clandestine laboratories and encourages reporting of activities in relation to possible amphetamine production sites. 

The target groups of the project include the Chemical and Pharmaceutical industries; the Hotel and Motel associations; Real Estate Agents and other relevant community groups for example Lions Club, Neighbourhood Watch and the Caravan industry.

The Project has developed the corporate motto of ‘Putting the Brakes on Speed’, and includes posters, pamphlets and other marketing materials including rulers, pens, post-it notes, stickers and fridge magnets.  Contact details on how to report suspicious behaviour or criminal activity are also included. 

Over the next twelve months members of the State Drug Investigation Unit will be attending a series of state-wide presentations to liaise with the various industries and provide them with a “show bag” of the marketing materials as outlined above.  These materials include a brochure and poster that will assist in the prevention of chemical diversion to illicit laboratories.

What are the indicators of a clandestine laboratory:

• Strong smell that might resemble urine or unusual chemical smell like ether, ammonia or acetone.
• Little or no traffic during the day, but lots of traffic at extremely late hours.
• Windows blacked-out or extra efforts made to cover windows or reinforce doors.
• Evidence of unusual electrical work surrounding the premises.
• Fan or pump type noises.
• Noticeable hoses and pipes near windows or doors for ventilation or water supply.
• Installation of extractor fans (especially in garages/sheds).
• Residents never putting their rubbish bins out or burning all rubbish.
• Laboratory material surrounding property (butane fuel cans, stained coffee filters, clear glass jugs and duct tape).
• Laboratory glassware being carried into a residence.
• Inhabitants smoking outside – due to fumes.
• Dying grass or plants in a particular area.
• Recently rented premises where occupants are rarely there.
• Large plastic containers with or without chemical labels.
• A new tenant that is willing to pay rent months in advance with only cash.
• New applicants who try to avoid having background checks done.

If you have any further questions or queries about this project please contact the State Drug Investigation Unit, Chemical Diversion Desk or Project Officer, Alison Monaghan on 07 3364 6166.