How do you know if a drug lab is located near your residence?
Over the past year Sunshine Coast police have discovered hydroponic cannabis laboratories in operation around the hinterland areas of the Sunshine Coast.
What appears to be an ordinary home may be a hydroponic cannabis laboratory and there are some indicators a lab may be in a residence near you.
The cannabis plant has a very distinct odour. This can be smelt from as close as next door, to across the street. A cannabis crop may take up to three months to mature and when the plant is ready for harvest it really stinks.
There may be a considerable amount of fertiliser lying around the yard as well as hoses and pipes going into windows. Windows are generally blackened out because the plants are soaking up extremely bright, artificial light inside the residence.
There is little or no movement at the property throughout the day as most activities are conducted at night. The property may be fitted with excessive security such as padlocks on gates, CCTV covering all areas of the yard and street, triple locks on doors and guard dogs.
A considerable number of vehicles may attend throughout the night. It is good practice to write down any registration numbers, the frequency of their visits, time of arrival and departure, and a description of persons in the vehicle. Usually, these visits are in quick succession of each other.
A new tenant will be willing to pay rent months in advance using only cash and will try to avoid background checks. Another sign is recently rented properties where residents are never there.
There may be evidence of new electrical work being carried out. The shed or garage may be fitted with an extractor fan. Fan or pump-like noises can be heard operating continuously throughout the day and night.
If you suspect that a person is involved with this type of operation, do not approach them.
To report any drug information phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
As an informant your identity is kept confidential. A person is guilty of a crime if they divulge any information or identification of an informant, as per Section 119 of the Drug Misuse Act 1986.
This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day at Queensland Police – Reporting.
You can also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at Crime Stoppers.
