What is the primary drug of concern when you encounter a clandestine lab?

The primary drug of concern when encountering a clandestine lab is methamphetamine. Clandestine labs are specifically associated with the illegal production of methamphetamine due to the high demand and profitability of the drug, along with the relatively simple methods of synthesis that can be employed in such labs.

Methamphetamine production poses significant risks not only from the chemical hazards involved but also from potential explosions and toxic fumes that can arise from the various precursors and processes used. The chemicals used in methamphetamine synthesis are highly volatile, and the environment in these labs is often dangerously unsafe for anyone who enters without proper training and equipment.

While cocaine, heroin, and marijuana also carry risks and are associated with various types of illegal activities, they do not typically involve clandestine production at the same scale or in such hazardous conditions as methamphetamine. Cocaine and heroin are usually trafficked in their processed forms, whereas marijuana is often grown in more open areas rather than in clandestine facilities. This distinction makes methamphetamine the central concern when addressing the prevalence of clandestine labs.