Many people may be unaware that they're living near a methamphetamine lab. Meth labs turn up in houses, barns, apartments, trailers, campers, cabins and motel rooms – even the backs of pickups. The equipment for a meth lab can be as small as to fit in a duffel bag, a cardboard box or the trunk of a car.

Here are some things to look for in identifying suspicious activity:

• Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).
• Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)
• Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape or persons frequently driving away with household trash.
• Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.
• Windows blacked out or covered by aluminum foil, plywood, sheets, blankets, etc.
• Secretive / protective area surrounding the residence (like video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing).
• Persons exiting the structure to smoke
• Little traffic during the day, but high traffic at late hours; including different vehicles arriving and staying for short periods of time.

To report suspicious activity in your neighborhood