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SECOND YEAR APPLICATION FOR GRANT CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB RESPONSE PROGRAM PAGE 2 evidence or indication of a full scale or conversion laboratory. After clearing the residence, several of the officers complained of dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Subsequent interviews revealed that several of the defendants were "drying" the crystal methamphetamine by heating it over the stove. Prior to executing the search warrant, there was no information or intelligence of any type of cook being done at the residence. Methamphetamine has been dubbed the drug of the 90's. Each year, law enforcement across the country report increased numbers of clandestine laboratories. This epidemic that started in the Far East has found its way across the Pacific Ocean and to Hawaii and the US mainland. We continuously receive information from informants about methamphetamine cooks on the Big Island and we have ongoing investigations involving suspected labs that are manufacturing methamphetamine. Clandestine laboratory sites produce both explosive and toxic chemicals. Some of the cooking methods put off extremely deadly gases. One of these gases is so deadly it will kill in a matter of seconds. Other clandestine laboratory exposures work much slower. California officers are just now suffering severe physical problems including various forms of cancer that are the result of exposures that took place over 10 years ago. Due to the hazardous nature of clandestine laboratories, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has mandated a ~0-hour certification course and a 24-hour on-the job training for anyone who enters a clandestine laboratory site. Officers that attend certification training will learn exactly what type of protective gear is needed for entry into a clandestine laboratory site. In addition, they will be trained and certified in the use of the safety gear. Due to the hazards involved in searching for and dismantling a clandestine laboratory, it is essential that Hawaii County police officers have both the training and equipment necessary to do the job safely. B. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Program Goals The goals of the Clandestine Drug Lab Response Program are: 1. To enhance the ability of the Hawaii County Police Department to conduct aggressive, comprehensive, and coordinated law enforcement activities to detect, identify, access, and counter or neutralize clandestine drug manufacturing laboratories operating within the County of Hawaii, and;