Signs of methamphetamine use:

• Drug paraphernalia such as short straws, tubes, razor blades, mirrors, syringes or smoking devices
   
• Items containing white, beige, pink
  or brown powder or crystalline substances
   
• Someone going for long periods without sleep
   
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
   
• Dialated puplis
   
• Lack of personal hygiene, including rotting teeth, skin rash or sores, or a strong chemical body odor
   
• Excessive and undirected energy,excited speech
   
• Changes in mood and loss of interest in hobbies, friends or activities
   
• Visual and auditory hallucinations, paranoia
   
• Uncontrolled emotional outbursts, possibly accompanied by violence or aggression
   
• Repetitive sorting and disassembling of objects
   

Signs of methamphetamine production or sale

Methamphetamine (unlike other illicit drugs) can be easily manufactured making use of common household chemicals and equipment.  These “clandestine” labs cause a danger to the public because of dangers associated with possible explosions, fires, and exposure to chemicals.  These labs also pose a danger to the environment as persons running the labs often dispose of waste chemicals by putting them down drains, in rivers and streams and pouring it on the ground.

Clandestine labs in Fargo have been located in hotels, apartments, single family homes, and vehicles.  The public can help law enforcement by reporting suspected lab activity, so it can be properly investigated.  If you suspect a lab, stay clear of the area, because of possible health hazards.  The following are indicators of a clandestine lab:

• covering or painting over of windows
   

• burn pits, stained soil or dead vegetation indicating dumping of chemicals or waste
   

• packaging from over-the-counter cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine
   

• empty containers from white gas, ether, starting fluids, Freon, lye or drain openers, paint thinner, acetone or alcohol
   

• packaging from Epsom salts or rock salts
   

• anhydrous ammonia tanks, propane tanks or coolers containing anhydrous ammonia
   

• pyrex/glass/Corning containers, or other kitchen glassware with hoses or duct tape on them
   

• respiratory masks and filters, dust masks, rubber gloves, funnels, hosing
  and clamps
   

•  coffee filters, pillow cases or bed sheets stained red, or containing a white powdery residue
   

•  apartments or buildings that smell like chemicals, including sweet, bitter, ammonia or solvents