ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Meth labs are a growing problem in northeast Florida, and with them come more dangers for law enforcement officers.
In St. Johns County alone, the Sheriff's Office's meth team has already busted eight meth labs this year. Last year they cleaned out 29.
Investigators gave Channel 4's Jim Piggott a chance to suit up Monday to learn just how difficult and dangerous their job is.
Some meth lab raids in the area have turned fatal for investigators, namely a raid in Clay County earlier this year in which a detective was killed. All of them are dangerous.
Members of the the meth lab response team in St. Johns County who work undercover say people who make or cook meth are getting bolder.
"It is so easy to conceal," said Corporal Mike Hartsell. "Actually, one of our guys, that was his M.O. -- making labs. He was to carry them in a backpack and walk around town. He was hard to catch."
The team has been very busy. Before they hit a meth house, they have to be protected not only from the drugs, but also from the people making them. So they wear special gear, along with a mask to breathe through and a bulletproof vest.
Once they get the suspects, then it's on to the clean up, which takes a lot of work.
Investigators where white moon suits, layers of gloves, boots, tape and more tape, along with a mask and a 45-pound oxygen tank.
All the heavy equipment is uncomfortable, but it's to protect them from explosive chemicals they're disposing of.
"Our guys are getting better," Hartsell said. "They get more trained, but it's still very taxing for all of our guys. They go from one suit clearing a house in 100-degree weather, like today, going to a chemical suit."
The cleanup usually takes hours.
