Children and Meth

Police in Orange County have found 102 children under the age 13 at the scene of methamphetamine lab raids over the past two years. More than half the children tested positive for exposure to toxic chemicals.

Number of Orange County meth lab closures in past 23 months where children were present:

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City # of Closures Santa Ana 12 Anaheim 6 Garden Grove 6 Huntington Beach 4 Brea 2 Buena Park 2 Cypress 2 La Habra 2 Westminster 2 Costa Mesa 2 Fountain Valley 1 Fullerton 1 Los Alamitos 1 Orange 1 San Clemente 1 Yorba Linda 1 Lake Forest 1 TOTAL 47

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How To Spot Meth Labs

Many people don’t realize that a meth lab is in their neighborhood. Things to look for:

* Unusual, strong odors, like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals

* Residences with windows blacked out.

* Renters who pay their landlords in cash. Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.

* Heavy traffic, people coming and going at unusual times, with dramatic increases in activity at night.

* Excessive trash, including large amounts of items like antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, drain cleaner and duct tape.

* Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.

Source: The California Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.

A Forum on Local Meth Labs

A task force of state and Orange County agencies will hold a forum today to tell residents about methamphetamine labs in their neighborhoods, the children affected by them and some ways to identify possible the labs. The forum begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden St. Information: (714) 895-9088.

Source: California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement