Landlords warned over P lab houses

Methamphetamine labs operating out of rental properties are not common in Rotorua, but Senior Sergeant Brent Crowe urges landlords to contact police immediately if they suspect tenants may be involved in the manufacture of illicit drugs.

"The key message is to be aware of any untoward activity. If you believe the property is being used for illegal activities, step back and contact police."

He said the manufacture of illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine or P, was a "very hazardous activity". The process involves mixing and heating chemicals known to cause serious explosions - particularly if interrupted at the wrong time.

"It is a very volatile situation."

Crowe said even turning off the heat during the manufacturing process could have disastrous consequences so it is best to leave everything as it is, leave the building immediately and call the police, who have an experienced team familiar with safely dismantling the equipment.

Because of the harm methamphetamine does in the community, the penalty for manufacturing class A drugs is life imprisonment and Crowe said this, along with police detecting more manufacturing set-ups, meant criminals were trying to avoid detection by shifting away from dwellings to more mobile options, such as manufacturing in motel units or even in the boots of cars.

But if you suspect your rental property is being used for making P, there are some signs to look for. He said the most obvious was the chemical smells. "You cannot miss it, if you walk into a building being used as a clandestine meth lab. There is this bitter ammonia smell."

The chemical fumes can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and anybody coming into contact with them should seek medical attention urgently.

Fumes also cause significant damage to the building, as they leach into the pores of the walls, ceilings and timber framing, discolouring the walls and ceiling and causing significant health risks for the occupants and considerable cost for property owners.

THE SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

How do you know if your rental property is being used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs such as P?

External signs include:

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  Extractor fans running at odd times
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  Windows are blacked out or the curtains drawn for an extended period
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  People are coming outside only to smoke at all hours of the day and night
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  Occupants are unfriendly and paranoid
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  There is expensive security and surveillance gear
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  Occupants deny access to the landlord, but others are visiting the property frequently and at all hours
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  Chemical stains on concrete or other surfaces

Signs inside the building include:

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  Glassware and other manufacturing equipment
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  Containers with clear or cloudy liquids - there may be two layers of liquid at the distilling part of the process
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  Used coffee filters with white paste or reddish brown paste
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  Presence of hotplates near chemicals
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  Baking dishes with white crystalline substances in them