Number of meth labs doubles in NYS

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Meth labs are literally bombs waiting to go off, and they could be cooking in a home right in your neighborhood.

New York State Police are warning residents, they're seeing a huge increase in amateur meth labs. Troopers have busted over 100 meth labs this year, nearly double than last year, mostly in western New York and the Finger Lakes. Compare that to less than five between the late 80s and the late 90s.

Why the sudden uptick? Police say a quick and cheap meth-making technique known as the "shake and bake" method is becoming more popular.

NYS Police Technical Sgt. Doug Wildermuth explained, "You basically get to take a lot of these items, throw it in one pot, shake it up and you can make methamphetamine."

All the ingredients can be bought at the grocery store, or pharmacy.

"Ammonium nitrate, located in cold packs. Salt. Pseudoephedrine pills, which is the precursor to making this drug. The containers themselves; rock salt; ether; Drano," Sgt. Wildermuth noted.

Though the process is simple, it can have lethal consequences. The volatile mix can self-ignite, just by being exposed to air. One woman in Chemung County died last year, in a fire like that.

State Police Troop E Commander Major Mark Koss said, "They were attempting to evaporate ether, which was used in their process of making the methamphetamine. The ether spilled over onto a wood stove, where they were cooking it, and ultimately engulfed the residence in flames."

So, how do you know when to call police? One of the big giveaways is a strong chemical smell that isn't normally there.

Also, take a good look at roadside. That's where a lot of cooks discard meth-making ingredients, when they're done with them.