Would you recognize a meth lab in your own neighborhood? A Memphis neighborhood had suspected their neighbors of running a meth lab but weren’t certain until it exploded during Valentine’s Day week. The occupants of the house were fortunate to only sustain minor injuries since meth lab explosions can be fatal.
Meth use in Tennessee has skyrocketed in recent years. This has occurred while law enforcement has faced budget cuts that make it more difficult to crack down on the manufacturing and distribution of the drug. That makes it more important for citizens to be able to identify meth labs. Common signs of a meth lab include:
- Chemical odor coming from the home, garage or other building on the property.
- Home occupants have the windows covered with shades or blackened even during the day time.
- Unusual behavior from the people in the home, including acting secretive or paranoid.
- A suspicious amount of home security.
- Frequently sighting trash cans full of empty chemical containers.
Penalties for manufacturing
An arrest for manufacturing meth is steep. Tennessee places meth in the same category as drugs like cocaine and various opiates. That means severe consequences for manufacturing or distribution convictions.
Distributing or manufacturing more than five grams of meth could lead to 8-12 years in prison and a fine of $100,000 or less. For amounts smaller than five grams, you could still face between three to six years in prison and a fine of $100,000 or less.
If you spot a meth lab in your neighborhood, call the police. Meth lab explosions can even damage surrounding homes and injure innocent bystanders. The use of meth can have a significant effect on our communities, including meth lab explosions.