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Chemistry Services - Clandestine Laboratory Analysis

The Clandestine Laboratory Response Team (CLRT) is a group of scientists around the state who aid local and state law enforcement in the safety assessment, shutdown, analysis, and prosecution of illegal drug manufacturing labs.

Due to the hazardous environments which can be present at clandestine lab sites, members of the CLRT utilize the latest in air monitoring instrumentation and personal protective equipment.

Scientists shut down active lab sites and take samples of phases of the production process in order to determine the method of production, the precursors used, and if any controlled substances have been produced. Members of the CLRT also aid in training new law enforcement officials on the facts about clandestine labs.

	CLRT member about to sample suspected methamphetamine lab. This scientist is wearing a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
Anhydrous ammonia is often stored improperly in propane cylinders like the one pictured to the right. These can become dangerous as the ammonia will slowly eat away the brass fittings, eventually rupturing the tank. Anhydrous ammonia causes severe irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. In large enough doses, it can prove fatal.
	Biphasic liquids are often found at clandestine lab sites. Often, the top layer is an organic liquid while the bottom layer is a basic aqueous solution.