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Police Concerned About Rise In Meth Labs In Colorado

THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4) - North Metro Drug Task Force members say they're seeing a disturbing trend across Colorado -- the number of methamphetamine labs is on the rise.

CBS4 cameras were rolling as officers in hazmat suits crossed police lines to clean up a meth lab on Sunday. The lab was found in a motel room at the Crossland Economy Studios at 88th and Grant in Thornton.

It was the second meth lab cleanup that the North Metro Drug Task Force did over the weekend. The other was in Commerce City.

Officers are concerned about the increase in meth labs in the state.

"Large-scale, Mexican-produced methamphetamine is of very low potency, so the trend all across the country is people are getting pseudo ephedrine products, because it creates a higher potent meth," Sgt. Jim Gerhardt with the North Metro Drug Task Force said.

To make matters worse, fire and police departments lost federal funding to pay for the clean-ups, leaving agencies wondering who will pay the bill. They can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 each.

North Metro says in the Thornton clean-up, the bill for chemical and equipment disposal will go to the motel.

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