Watch out for clan lab items

Since January this year police have uncovered 100 clandestine drug laboratories in WA, four of them in the Rockingham-Kwinana area — one each in Waikiki, Kwinana, Orelia and Bertram.

Police said the result was a slight improvement, as last year 133 labs were discovered.

'''Police Photograph: Officers neutralise highly toxic chemicals used in clandestine labs

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‘‘The increase in detection can be attributed to effective targeting of these labs and significant assistance from the public,’’ a spokesman said.

However, police are seriously concerned there are too many labs, which produce deadly gases that can kill those who inhale the fumes, according to Sgt Allan Jane.

‘‘Suspected clandestine drug laboratories are extremely dangerous — these labs often produce gases and chemicals that are fatal if inhaled or exposed,’’ he said.

Trends in manufacturing had shown offenders were crudely producing their own ammonia gas, which is severely toxic and potentially fatal if inhaled.

The labs produce minimal amounts of drugs, but present a danger to those making the drugs, the public, and those responding to labs, such as police or emergency services.

‘‘The fumes and gases associated with these labs eat away at lung tissue once inhaled — the importance of not approaching clan labs cannot be overstated,’’ Sgt Jane said.

Police have asked people to look out for gas bottles, fuel, or containers with improvised tubing and/or blue staining.

Other items to watch out for are acids and solvents, lithium batteries, piles of white residue, and empty packets of cold and flu tablets.

Such items have been found discarded in parkland and bush, posing a significant risk to the public.

Sgt Jane asked parents with children to be mindful of the dangers of dumped equipment over the school holidays.

‘‘Under no circumstances should anyone approach a suspected clan lab or discarded equipment,’’ he said.

Anyone with information on illicit drug manufacture should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.