I certainly hope that no one here ever has to take advantage of this information, but I guess they believe meth labs may start becoming more of a problem in Sussex County. I received this e-mail from the Division of Fish and Wildlife this afternoon and thought I'd pass it on to those of you who explore off the beaten path for beaver ponds and small wild trout streams. It's amazing how mundane some of the items that are used in the process really are....
Hunters in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan and Tennessee discovered methamphetamine labs or their remnants during trips in the woods, as drug makers seek more remote areas in which to produce the drug. In April 2005 the first methamphetamine lab bust in New Jersey occurred in Sussex County. Labs have subsequently been seized in Monmouth and Bergen counties.
Unfortunately, methamphetamine, a toxic and highly addictive stimulant, can be made in a clandestine lab by almost anyone with the know-how for a mere $100 in ingredients available at most supermarkets and hardware stores. Methamphetamine manufacturing is extremely dangerous, producing toxic fumes, residue and waste and can result in explosions and fires. While no 'cooking' sites or 'labs' have been discovered in New Jersey's woods to date, the potential for someone to come across toxic and sometimes lethal materials outdoors is still a concern.
The Sussex County Methamphetamine Task Force has created a brochure and flyer about the possible manufacturing of methamphetamine in the woods to raise awareness about this potential hazard. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Methamphetamine Task Force to view and/or download the information on what to look for and actions to take if you find a suspected lab. Questions should be directed to the Methamphetamine Task Force by calling Becky Carlson at 973-383-4787.