Clandestine Drug Laboratory in rural Southeast Alabama

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Clandestine Drug Laboratory in rural Southeast
Alabama This was a recent raid on a Clandestine
Drug Laboratory in rural southeast Alabama. Note
the disguised underground entrance. The operator
had IR sensors on the approaches to the residence
and cameras at the front of the house and at the
entrance to the laboratory. The owner was taken
into custody by tactical officers outside the
laboratory after precision marksman had observed
the residence for some time. The operator a
convicted felon had several firearms in his
possession. Even in rural setting sophisticated
clandestine drug laboratories present a threat to
officers. Jim Smith Cottonwood, Police Chief,
Cottonwood, AL PD.
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Covert methamphetamine laboratory entrance
Note wires
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Entrance exposed

• Note seals on door
• Confined Space
• Potentially oxygen deficient
• Booby traps
• Armed operators
• Difficult extrication

4

• Atmospheric testing
• Booby trap clearing
• SCBA PPE required
• Standby rescue team

• Pre-planning
• Clear lab of booby traps and other hazards
• Time keeper and safety officer
• Assess laboratory
• Secure chemicals, pressurized cylinders, etc.

5

• Rescue difficulty
• Lighting problems
• Note narrow entry/exit
• Homemade ladders

• Non code wiring
• Wet environment
• Mold growth
• Slip hazard
• Explosive atmosphere

6

• Sophisticated surveillance equipment
• Passive infrared sensors
• Video surveillance
• Booby traps
• Armed paranoid suspects