The Barry County Methamphetamine Prevention Task Force wants Barry County residents to be aware of the potential danger of picking up roadside trash. Now that Spring is here and the weather is nice, Citizens need to be aware of the possibility of coming across dangerous chemicals, cooking equipment, and components used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, which is a highly addictive drug and toxic substance.  Meth cookers are using roadside ditches and road ends in Michigan to dump such materials; these items should not be touched or handled in any way.

Because the components and processes used to cook meth are extremely dangerous and hazardous, citizens and volunteer groups, such as “Adopt-a-Highway”, are at great risk if they come across a meth dump site.  Accidental exposure to meth bi-products, chemicals, and equipment can cause serious health injuries including burns, collapsed lungs, and nerve damage.  Here’s a list of items to avoid:

• Plastic pop/juice/water bottles with tubing coming out of them, or unusual residues inside
• Propane tanks, with blue or discolored valves
• Cold/Allergy tablet packages and empty “blister” packages
• Coffee filters with red stains, powder or white residues
• Empty starting fluid containers and ether cans, especially if they are punctured
• Batteries which appear to be unrolled or broken
• Acetone, Camping Fuel, and brake cleaner containers (heet)
• Red Devil lye containers
• Stained or crushed cookware
• Plastic/Rubber hoses/tubing
• Glassware

If a citizen or volunteer comes across any of these items, they should retreat immediately and avoid handling or smelling any of the items.  They should call 911 or their nearest local law enforcement immediately.  They should not let anyone approach the site and maintain a safe distance from the site until the authorities arrive.