TB 180 - Drug Labs: Recognition And Hazards

Question 1

An illegal narcotic laboratory or production house is also frequently referred to as a ______ ______ _____, or “clan lab.”

Answer 1

Clandestine drug laboratory

Question 2

Clandestine drug labs generally cause three main types of harm:

Answer 2

Physical from explosion, fire, Chemical burns and toxic fumes

Environmental hazards

Child endangerment

Question 3

the following are some common indicators of an illicit drug laboratory:

Robust security systems including ______ ______

Doors and windows are concealed, blackened out, or covered with _______ ______.

Answer 3

Video surveillance

Aluminum foil

Question 4

the following are some common indicators of an illicit drug laboratory:

Large ______ _____ for fume dispersal, odor removal, and cooling processes.
Presence of ___gallon steel drums.
Delivery of large amounts of ___ or _____ agents.

Answer 4

Ventilation fans

55-gallon

Ice or cooling agents

Question 5

the following are some common indicators of an illicit drug laboratory:

Strong distinct odor of _____or other volatile fuels/solvents.

Destruction of plant life may be noticeable due to dumping of _______.

Answer 5

Ether

Chemicals

Question 6

is produced from the opium poppy by a chemical process known as acetylation.

Answer 6

Heroin (diacetylmorphine)

Question 7

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the four major source areas include

Answer 7

Mexico South America southwest Asia Southeast Asia

Question 8

Heroin is not produced in the US, but is commonly

Answer 8

Milled

Question 9

A recent synthetic opiate trend is the production and use of

Answer 9

fentanyl.

Question 10

Illicit fentanyl production requires no

Answer 10

Plant production

Question 11

laboratory scientists have the ability to interchange many different chemical compounds. These substances are reported to be ____ to ____ times more potent than morphine.

Answer 11

50 to 100

Question 12

one of the most potent fentanyl analogues known as _________ has a potency of 10,000 times that of morphine.

Answer 12

Carfentanil

Question 13

the presence of fentanyl is suspected, members must take protective measures: considering the _____ ______ and _______ principles

Answer 13

Time, distance, shielding

Question 14

Every pound of methamphetamine produced generates five or more pounds of hazardous waste.

Answer 14

5 or more lbs

Question 15

_______ or _______ are mind altering substances with serious hallucinogenic effects.

Answer 15

Phenclidine(PCP) ketamine

Question 16

PCP was developed as an anesthetic and marketed under the name

Answer 16

Sernyl

Question 17

Ketamine was created as an anesthetic for animals, and is often known as

Answer 17

Special k

Question 18

has been estimated by the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area that __% of illegal PCP laboratories are found because these volatile chemicals tend to explode or catch fire.

Answer 18

30%

Question 19

Some of the lethal chemicals in production of PCP are

Answer 19

Potassium cyanide and hydrochloric

Question 20

Also, phenyl magnesium bromide is so volatile that it will explode when it comes in contact with

Answer 20

Water

Question 21

In the Los Angeles area, PCP is most commonly found in one of 3 forms: (1) _______, which is inhaled or sprinkled on another substance, (2) _______, which produces “angel dust” when mixed with leafy substances and dried tablets, and (3) _______ dipped into the liquid often called “Kool” sticks or “Sherm” sticks.

Answer 21

Crystalline
Liquid
Cigarettes

Question 22

remains a popular drug expanding from raves and clubs into schools, malls and residences.

Answer 22

MDMA (“ecstasy,” “x,” or “molly”)

Question 23

____ and _____ remains another club drug with an ever-expanding popularity.

Answer 23

GHB GBL

Question 24

Of all the emerging threats in the drug manufacturing industry, and perhaps most dangerous is the process of

Answer 24

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extrication

Question 25

The _____extraction process has historically been a dangerous process to illegal operators and bystanders alike.

Answer 25

BHO

Question 26

The extracted THC can vary from _% to __% concentration in the prepared hash oil. Other sources claim that concentrations of up to __% are possible.

Answer 26

6% to 30%
70%

Question 27

The method used for extracting hash oil has its basis in an industrial extraction method known as

Answer 27

Super critical fluid extrication

Question 28

This method most commonly uses over-the counter______ ______ (8 oz. can) as the extraction solvent.

Answer 28

BUTANE

Question 29

However, recent trends indicate the use of a wide variety of gas products such as ______,_______, or butane.

Answer 29

PROPANE HEXANE

Question 30

The extraction device is often a section of ___ inch pipe approximately __ feet long.

Answer 30

1 3/4’’
1 1/2’

Question 31

The ends of the pipe will be capped and appearance is very similar to that of a suspected ____ _____.

Answer 31

pipe bomb

Question 32

The end caps will usually have small holes drilled into each end. One side will have only ____ ____ for entering the extraction liquid and the other end will have _______holes similar to a salt or pepper shaker.

Answer 32

ONE HOLE
SEVERAL HOLES

Question 33

Despite the recent attempts of local law enforcement and local regulators, there is currently a marked rise in ______and _____ burns associated with the extraction process.

Answer 33

Hydrocarbon and flash burns

Question 34

Individuals involved in BHO operations will regularly hide their extracted butane/hash oil mixture while waiting for the butane to evaporate. These hidden areas are often unvented enclosures such as

Answer 34

Bathrooms or cabinets

Question 35

Butane is more than ____times heavier than air.

Answer 35

Two times

Question 36

It has an explosive range of ___% to ___% in air which means it can reach its lower explosive limit (LEL) in even relatively low concentrations.

Answer 36

1.8% to 8.4%

Question 37

is a colorless, odorless gas and has a high potential for ignition and explosion when used in the presence of an ignition source in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.

Answer 37

Butane

Question 38

the expelled product will be caught in a collection device or vessel (most often is a Pyrex-type baking tray or container). The residue will contain the extract, which is a

Answer 38

Pale glowing yellow or green golden hue

Question 39

You will also see a slow release of gas through the thick viscous liquid. These bubbles can potentially raise the ____ _____ _____of their immediate surroundings as they pop.

Answer 39

Lower explosive limit

Question 40

A recent trend is “_____ ______” of extracts in medicinal and recreational drug manufacturing.

Answer 40

Commercial production

Question 41

Commercial production It utilizes a ____ _____system that recycles the solvent, not leaving it exposed to ignition sources.

Answer 41

Closed loop system

Question 42

The issue, however, is that these closed loop systems are often crudely manufactured and poorly assembled. They push the gas past the product at a relatively high pressure (sometimes over ___ psi).

Answer 42

200 psi

Question 43

The three main hazards to responders come across cannabis grow or Cultivation operations are

Answer 43

Electrical hazards

atmospheric conditions (CO2 displaces O2)
physical harm (booby traps)

Question 44

The number one priority in dealing with drug labs is

Answer 44

Safety

Question 45

Members on scene should consider using the department _____ _____ to monitor lower explosive limit (LEL) levels in areas that must be occupied for hazard control or rescue operations.

Answer 45

Gas meters

Question 46

Can provide atmospheric monitoring for flammable gasses as well as aid in the notifications process or potential decontamination.

Answer 46

Hazardous material squad/task force

Question 47

Can coordinate external partnering agencies due to longstanding relationships, offer expertise on these common incidents, and make notifications for Incident Commanders (especially interacting with law partners).

Answer 47

JHAT

Question 48

Investigate incidents post fire or explosion.

Answer 48

LAFD arson/counterterrorism

Question 49

Can determine the precise nature of suspicious objects. In the presence of an “unknown substance” the Bomb Squad determines the potential for explosives. In addition, they will evaluate the potential pipe bomb or improvised explosive device (IED).

Answer 49

LAPD bomb squad

Question 50

Can assist LAFD HazMat members in processing evidence in hazardous environments.

Answer 50

LAPD/LASD hazmat unit

Question 51

Will take command of the scene on the Law side and investigate any clandestine drug lab operation. CA.DOJ (LA Impact), GND Section-Lab Squad.

Answer 51

LA impact/LAPD lab squad

Question 52

Assist in determination of legal/illegal marijuana grow operations.

Answer 52

LAFD “cannabis unit” of fire prevention Bureau

Question 53

Deal with the illegal ramifications of unlicensed cannabis operations.

Answer 53

LAFD “Legal Unit” of Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB)

Question 54

Control the permitting of cannabis processing and cannabis extraction facilities, as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment systems.

Answer 54

LAFD “Fire Development Services” of Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB)