Guest speaker Trooper Sean Sullivan of the Massachusetts State Police will be speaking on the topic of Clandestine Chemical Labs on March 20, 2008 at the Auburn Elks, Auburn Ma.

Please go to our website for additional info: [www.maiaai.com]

Topic synopsis:

"Dealing with clandestine drug labs requires an extraordinarily high level of technical expertise. Responders must understand illicit drug chemistry; how to neutralize the risks of explosions, fires, chemical burns, and toxic fumes; how to handle, store and dispose of hazardous materials; and how to treat medical conditions caused by chemical exposure. They must also have a detailed knowledge of the numerous federal, state and local laws governing chemical manufacturing and distribution, hazardous materials, occupational safety, environmental protection, and child protection. Police agencies cannot be expected to have all this expertise in-house.

They must collaborate with fire officials, hazardous materials experts, chemists, public health officials, social service providers, and environmental protection officials. Local police agencies must learn how to deal with clandestine drug labs because, in many areas of the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) resources to help local police respond to the problem have been exhausted."

Adam Holloway
MA-IAAI Bord of Director