Kids living in P labs appal police

Emergency services outside the scene of a police raid of a P lab. Photo / NZ Herald

Police are appalled by the number of children who have been living in P labs this year, and fear it is only a matter of time that a child will die.

Up to the end of September, 75 children have been found living amongst the toxic waste, explosive chemicals, and drug manufacturing detritus of clan labs this year.

Last year 64 children were found in clan labs.

Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls said the number of children found in clan labs is "appalling".

"I am certain that we could see the death or at the very least serious injury of a child or children living in a clan lab," he said.

"Manufacturing methamphetamine is a dangerous business and it is frightening that children are being exposed to the risks inherent in making it."

Police are focused on destroying the production and distribution of methamphetamine in New Zealand, Mr Nicholls said.

"Our methamphetamine control strategy has police in every district working on catching the manufacturers and 'cooks' that set up these dangerous labs," he said.

The control strategy has been in place since November 1 last year. There was a 15 percent increase in methamphetamine related-offences between November last year and September this year compared to the same period in the two previous years and a 17 percent increase in apprehensions.

Mr Nicholls said police are this week encouraging people to help police by reporting any activity indicating a clan lab is operating.

"If you don't want to call police, then call Crimestoppers, but make sure you tell someone who can do something about it," he said.

"The dangers and risks children face from being exposed to a clan lab are enormous."

The immediate danger is from chemical poisoning or contamination and fires and explosions. Clan labs are filled with combustible, toxic chemicals any of which can cause burns and explosions and many that are fatal if ingested.

"Often these chemicals are stored with no security or safety in mind and within reach of young children," Mr Nicholls said.

"Clan labs are run by methamphetamine cooks and children living in them are in an unhealthy environment. Children living there could be neglected, and because of the nature of the methamphetamine trade they could also subjected to and witness violence, Mr Nicholls said.

"As a community we should not tolerate any child having to call a clan lab home."