Information about Specific Drugs
| Identifying Clandestine Labs
What Can I Do About Narcotics in
My Neighborhood?
The Mesa Police Department provides a "Narcotics Hotline" for
citizens to report narcotic-related activity. Narcotic activity may be reported
anonymously. However, it is generally preferred that the identity of the caller
be given. This will assist officers if arrests are made and testimony in court
is required. If a citizen requests anonymity for fear of retaliation or any
other reason, officers will conduct their investigation without the identity of
the complainant.
A citizen who has a friend or relative they suspect is engaged in
narcotic-related activity may also use this number to provide us with any
pertinent information. It is not necessary for the investigating officer to know
the identity of the complainant. If the identity of the complainant is divulged
to the investigating officer, at the request of the complainant, this
information will be kept confidential.
The Partnership For a
Drug-Free America web site offers a wealth of information about various
kinds of drugs, their addiction symptoms, their effect on mental and physical
health of the kids, various resources available for intervention, and how to
communicate with kids about drugs.
The Mesa Police Department also has drug information on the Web at
www.Mesaaz.gov/police/drugs/default.aspx.
A narcotics laboratory or production house is also frequently referred to as
a clandestine drug laboratory or clan lab. These laboratories are
mini-chemical labs designed for one purpose: to make deadly, illegal drugs
quickly and cheaply.
"Clan lab" chemists can produce LSD, synthetic heroin and other
drugs, but their drug of choice is methamphetamine, commonly called speed or
crank. A smokeable form of methamphetamine called ice, glass
or crystal is also produced.
Not only are these homemade drugs dangerous, but the labs that produce them
can be located in any neighborhood and pose serious health and safety threats to
the public. Toxic chemicals, explosions, fires, booby traps, armed criminals --
any of these can mean disaster for the people who inadvertently stumble onto the
labs.
The Mesa Police Department has confronted this problem by having several of
its detectives attend the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement/Safety
Certification Program hosted by the Drug Enforcement Agency. In the Year 2000,
the Mesa Police Department located and dismantled approximately 35 laboratories.
These laboratories have been located in single-family residences, multi-family
residences, and as well as in vehicles and various other locations throughout
the city. Many of the laboratories have been located with the aid of concerned
citizens. Below you will find several signs that may indicate the presence of a
clandestine laboratory.
- Strong chemical odors.
- High volumes of traffic to suspected location.
- People coming outside only to smoke.
- Chemical containers coming to and from that
location.
If You Spot a Clan Lab...
- Don't investigate because of the danger to you and anyone else in
the area. Most law enforcement agencies have narcotics teams and hazardous
material units. Busting clan labs is their job -- let them do it.
- Leave the area at once. Anyone without proper training and
protective gear should stay at least 500 feet away from any suspected
clandestine laboratory.
- Immediately contact your police or sheriff to notify them of your
suspicions. Call 911 if you think you've been exposed to toxic chemicals of
if you suspect a chemical leak in your neighborhood.
If you wish to send information via email to the Mesa Police
Department regarding drug activity within the City of Mesa, please use the
Feedback Link below. You can request to remain anonymous and do not have to
include your name. You may also call the Narcotics Hotline at (480)
644-NARC or (480) 644-6272.
Please leave the following information (as available):
- Names and descriptions of people involved
- Addresses/phone numbers at location of suspected activity
- Drug type, if known
- Vehicle description/license plate
- Weapons involved
- Type of activity observed
All information you send will remain confidential.
