... More

---

... More

---

... More

---

... More

---

... More

---

Crystal meth labs often have a presence of little traffic during the day, while there is a lot of traffic at night. The occupants usually are seen leaving their premises to smoke, something that cannot be done in the presence of the chemicals they are using.

---

Scientists have estimated that as much as 50% of the dopamine-producing cells in the users brain are damaged after they use meth for a prolonged period of time. The same study found that serotonin-containing nerve cells may be damaged even more extensively than their dopamine-producing cells.

---

Amphetamines similar to meth first came to America in the 1930s. Abuse of amphetamine sulfate (Benzedrine) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) pills became prevalent during the 50s and 60s. These simulant medications were commonly prescribed by physicians, primarily for weight loss at which point they begin to be diverted to the illicit market.

---

Signs of a meth lab include: A strong smell of urine or unusual chemical smells such as ether, ammonia or acetone; a large amount of cold tablet containers that list ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as ingredients; coffee filters containing a white pasty substance, a dark red sludge, or small amounts of shiny white crystals; bottles or jars with rubber tubing attached; glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue.

---

Meth initially starts with an inactive or slightly-inactive compound (ephedrine or pseudoephedrine) and other chemicals are added to produce this dangerous drug.

---