ONEIDA -- New York State Police are dealing with a dramatic increase in what they're calling clandestine drug labs across the state and especially in Central New York.
In 2011, State Police responded to 45 incidents at clandestine drug labs. So far, in 2012, they've had 127 calls.
Investigators say the area where they're seeing the most problems is in Central New York, especially in Madison, Oneida, and Oswego counties. Troop D responded to 23 incidents in 2011, and 57 in 2012.
These numbers are in far contrast to a ten year span from 1989-1998, when reported labs and/or incidents totaled less than 5.
State Police say people are using inexpensive household items to make methamphetamine, driving up the number of these clandestine drug labs.
The chemicals are very volatile and pose explosive threats to State Police. Investigators say it's an expensive, and dangerous situation to deal with.
"They can gather up all these ingredients, throw them in a car and make the meth product in a car. So they don't need a building, they don't need a shed, they can go anywhere," said State Police Lt. Mary Clark.
State Police Sgt. Doug Wildermuth said part of the reason so many clandestine drug labs have been reported in Central New York is because local investigators know what to look for. Wildermuth said it was possible the problem was just as bad in other parts of the state.
"We find a lot of the labs in the areas that have received a lot of the training so I think that's a really good step to go ahead and help the community."
