Policemen taken to hospital after clan lab bust

Three North Shore police officers have been released from hospital after they inhaled toxic fumes at an illegal methamphetamine laboratory last night.

The three policemen were searching a house in Glenfield for cannabis when they searched a car containing chemicals used to make the methamphetamine drug P.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Davey said the three were released about 5am today from hospital and should be back at work during the weekend.

He said it showed the extreme danger from the chemicals used to make P.

He said many of the "cooks" who made the illegal drug were often high on drugs as they worked and that created an extreme risk to themselves and anyone in the house.

He said two of the police officers inhaled the fumes after the chemicals were put in containers and put in the cars.

"They put the chemicals in containers which aren't always sealed correctly.

"They (the police officers) all got a strong whiff of the pungent chemicals. A couple required oxygen as they were taken through (to hospital). One other was a little bit worse but is going to be okay."

He said police had been to many fires in homes, motels and vehicles where the clandestine laboratories were set up and where the cooks were hurt.

"We have had them turn up after the fires and explosions at hospital with first-degree burns. They feel the pain then but they just take the risk."

He said the chemicals could be stored in a chilly bin or car and the fumes could severely burn a person's throat and lungs.

Police took extreme precautions when they suspected a lab was operating.

"If we know there is a P lab operating, we don't go in unless we have the Fire Service, our special tactics group, an ambulance and our clan lab guys all kitted up to the nines."

He said that included breathing apparatus and sealed fully body suits. Fumes from a lab could contaminate a house and make it unusable until it had been professionally cleaned.

Mr Davey said if there was a strong odour in the air, constant running water and a stream of vehicles visiting an address it could be a sign that an illegal lab was operating and people should call police.

One person was arrested for the possession of the chemicals and equipment. Two others were also facing cannabis charges. They were due to appear in the North Shore District Court today.

- NZPA