Meth labs : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Meth labs

In working with buyers we are often asked whether or not a particular home contained a meth lab. Certainly we are not experts so we use experts.

A recent article by Carl Brahe of Inspection Perfections speaks to the main issues. Many of his points may surprise you including:

1. Meth has no odor or color. What you think you might smell in a house or those red spots you see are usually not indicative of a meth lab.
2. Hair spray applied to a wall WILL NOT turn red if meth is present.
3. Similarly, spray starch applied to a wall will not indicate the presence of meth.

What trained investigators look for is the totality of the surroundings. Things like cat litter in unusual places or being used in unusual ways. Or jars containing unidentified liquids. Other indicators may include drug paraphenalia, trap doors and unusual ventilation and plumbing.

So if the house is vacant, how would a potential know if a meth lab had been present? Colorado just passed bill that will hold the Seller responsible for some notification depending on whether or not meth was actually produced on the property. Known as the Colorado Methlab Real Estate Discovery and Disclosure Act it may help Buyers to ascertain whether meth was ever produced.

The bottom line for us is to engage the services of an expert if there is any question that a drug lab may have existed in the property. It would be money well spent.

For a full copy of the report please go to Forensic Applications web site.