Many times when responders think of an illicit laboratory, something resembling a chemistry lab in a school setting may come to mind. For the most part, this is the farthest thing from reality. Additionally, responders may immediately assume an illicit laboratory is only a methamphetamine lab. Again, this may not always be true.

The most likely indicators of an illicit laboratory will be the chemical precursors, chemical reagents, and lab equipment necessary for production. In addition to these physical indicators, trash and residue left behind from clandestine operations are usually evident. Odd behaviors demonstrated by occupants may also serve as clues, such as going outside to smoke in the dead of winter with freezing temperatures.

Responders usually stumble into illicit lab operations by responding to routine EMS and fire calls. If clandestine activity is suspected responders should contact law enforcement and assume the possibility of booby traps.

Often laboratories may be a mix of operations or activities. A clandestine drug lab might also involve explosive manufacturing. Weapons, in the form of booby traps, might be used against responders to delay entry into a structure or allow lab operators to escape.