Police warn of meth danger in your yard

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - The dangers of methamphetamine are not just limited to police. It may be in your front yard or along your street.

Common household items like plastic gas cans, soda bottles or other plastic bottles with modified lids are often used in producing meth. Often criminals toss the evidence along roads. Inside those containers are materials that can harm lungs or skin.

Indiana State Police troopers in Terre Haute warn they get one to two calls a week from people finding remnants from methamphetamine labs on their property.

"If they [containers] are just laying there in an inert stage and you would happen to shake them, kick them, whatever, they can begin a chemical reaction again," Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts said.

A locked shed at the state police post has nine meth-related containers from the last month. Some come from labs busted by law enforcement. Others contain materials collected from the side of the road.

Watts said well-meaning people used to bring them by the post not knowing the dangers. With all the publicity in the media, that is usually not a problem anymore.

"We're worried about the kids picking it up and thinking it's a bonafide soft drink when it's not," said Watts.

Watts warned to look out for common containers that have modified seals, modified valves or have discoloration around the lid, particularly a bright blue. If you see something like that, call your local law enforcement.