I have found that the new trend in my area (west central Illinois) is to use freezer bags to put the anhydrous in. This is usually at least 1/2 gallon size freezer bag, which means the remainder of the materials is going to be close by. I believe they are using the freezer bags because it is not as noticeable as an “air pig” or cooler.
Another way the lab is concealed is to mix the anhydrous, pills, and lithium at the anhydrous plant. Once the anhydrous has evaporated it becomes easier to transport the pill dough as well as making it easier to conceal and dispose of.
The so-called mobile labs I have encountered this year differ from previous years in that I have not located a complete mobile lab this year. They are making you earn it by stashing the materials in various locations, instead of having everything all together in one spot.
The best way I have found to locate these is to look for trash in the ditches. Get out of the squad car and check it out you will be surprised what you might find. Once you find the meth trash you found the meth highway. I have found that most meth cooks travel in the same area and use the same roads. Find the anhydrous plants that are easily accessible but not too out of the way.
Deputy Matt Greenlief / K-9 Handler
Warren County Sheriff’s Office