Police have urged Brits to be on the lookout for signs their neighbours could be making drugs after a seven-year-old boy was killed in a cannabis lab explosion on a residential street.
Archie York, from Newcastle, was asleep when a blast from the flat below tore into his room on October 16. Six other properties at the block were destroyed, and a second resident, father-of-two Jason Laws, 35, also died.
Weed dealer Reece Galbraith, 33, had been producing cannabis concentrates known as ‘shatter’ or butane honey oil (BHO) for use in cannabis edibles, a process that involves highly flammable butane and propane gas.
With Galbraith having admitted two counts of manslaughter, Northumbria Police are urging anyone aware of any suspected drug activity in their area to get in touch.
‘The information you provide could prove vital in helping us prevent this type of activity taking place,’ said Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael.
‘We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who becomes aware of people buying, taking delivery of or being in possession of multiple butane cannisters, propane bottles or unusual looking stainless-steel equipment.
Other illegal drugs, including methamphetamines, are also regularly produced at residential addresses – risking the safety of anyone living nearby.
Below, draws on police intelligence to reveal some of the tell-tale signs –
1 – There are suspicious smells (including one that might surprise you…)
While it is obvious that the manufacture of synthetic substances would produce a chemical scent, that isn’t the only thing you need to look out for, police say.
While chemical or solvent smells may be present, drug dealers often go to considerable lengths to cover these up.
That means one potentially suspicious sign could be a strong scent of air freshener coming from a neighbouring property.
Producers often use commercial-grade automatic air fresheners, usually near the front entrance, according to a guide compiled by South Wales Police.
A strong smell resembling cat urine or ammonia could also be concerning, they say.
While this could have an innocent cause, the scent is also associated with one method of methylamphetamine production.
2 – Lots of chemical drums or bottles
Substances like meth or cannabis concentrates require a lot of chemicals to produce.
The containers they come in are often large and have to be delivered and disposed of, raising opportunities for detection.
Police advise being particularly aware of chemical drums or other chemical containers with their labels covered up.
Soft drink or milk screw-top bottles are used extensively to hold ingredients. They may either contain unusual liquids or be empty.
Gases like butane have lots of legitimate uses, including for fuelling camping stoves.
But given the gas is also used in the manufacture of cannabis shatter, seeing large numbers appearing in the rubbish should raise eyebrows.
3 – Bars on the windows
Alongside being caught by the police, one of the biggest risk to drug dealers is being robbed by rivals.
As a result, they will often install significant security measures to keep their supply safe. This may include window bars or extra locks on doors.
Heavy metal bars or pieces of wood may be used to block entry through front and rear doors.
If you are a landlord, police advise investigating being aware of damage to walls, paint or wallpaper behind doors, as this could be a sign that these are being used.
4 – Large numbers of empty packets of cold medicine
One less obvious warning sign to be aware of is large numbers of empty medicine packets appearing in the rubbish.
While the average cold sufferer may leave one or two empty cold medicine containers in the bin, police describe the presence lots of emptied out boxes, bottles or blister packs of medicines like Sudafed as ‘a definite warning sign’.
This brand and others contain pseudoephedrine, which is used in the manufacture of crystal meth.
The trend for using over-the-counter medicines to product the drug was previously the subject on an investigation by Irish police.
Duracell-type battery cases cut up, match striker plates torn off the boxes, excessive amounts of coffee filters with red staining are also indicators of drug production, according to police.
5 – Your neighbours regularly smoke outside
Many smokers choose to leave their home to light up, particularly if they have children.
However, police say that residents regularly leaving a house or flat to smoke could be worth noting if it is accompanied by other suspicious signs.
This is because the chemicals used to make drugs are often highly explosive – as demonstrated by the tragic incident in Newcastle.
6 – They order in lots of powder products
Drug dealers ‘cut’ – or adulterate – their drugs with a variety of powders in order to increase their profits.
Any powder could be used, but police say that glucose, lactose, caffeine, lignacaine, benzocaine or paracetamol are particularly common.
These substances are either bought online from wholesalers or stolen from legitimate suppliers.
They are usually delivered in tubs, sacks or boxes.
7 – They are rarely at home
Drug gangs often rent homes for use as drug labs without living in them full time.
In many cases, these properties are rented from legitimate landlords who are unaware they are being used for an illegal purpose.
You may notice that your neighbours are not living in their home full time or only visit for a short time each day.
Windows that are always closed or blacked out, or windows with lots of condensation, may also suggest the presence of cannabis cultivation.
8 – People are always coming and going
While the absence of people could be suspicious, lots of traffic in and out of a house could raise concerns too.
Often, people or cars will appear at the house before leaving after a brief period.
Activity peaking at night is particularly concerning, as are the presence of young people lingering outside – as they may be acting as lookouts.
Police also say that expensive cars parked on a driveway of someone who does not have a large income should raise suspicion.
9 – Birds gathering on the roof
It’s well known that cannabis cultivation uses large amounts of electricity for heating and ventilation.
While it is difficult to work out how much energy someone is using without inspecting their meter, there are still clues to look out for.
One is the absence of snow on a roof in winter when it has settled on others.
Birds also like roosting on a nice warm roof, so keep an eye on large flocks frequently choosing one to roost on.
Of course, as with all of the potential warning signs listed above, there is often an innocent explanation.