United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WHAT: The Drug Enforcement Administration and its partners, to include the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, are offering in-depth Hash Oil Lab training to representatives of the media.

WHERE: Drug Enforcement Administration, 4560 Viewridge Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123

WHY: Since May 5, 2019, DEA has dismantled eight hash oil laboratories in San Diego County; two of which resulted in explosions sending multiple people to the hospital with severe burns. The production of hash oil, also known as THC oil, is not only dangerous to the producer, but also to those around the production site. The solvents used in the production of hash oil can result in explosions and fires that can injure or kill lab operators and associates, innocent bystanders, neighbors, law enforcement officers and firemen who come in contact with a lab. Media will be provided with information on detection, environmental effects, and dangers associated with hash oil labs.

Media may record and/or photograph training for use in news stories, however it is respectfully requested law enforcement officers’ faces are not shown in news stories. Items used in hash oil labs will be on display. On-camera media interviews are also available after the training.

WHO: Karen Flowers, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration; DEA Task Force Officers; Matthew Sutton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of California; Christina Eastman, Assistant District Attorney, San Diego County

DETAILS: All interested members of the media should RSVP via email to Kameron.D.Korte@usdoj.gov or at the telephone number listed above to reserve a space in the class. All media must present valid media credentials. Ample on-site parking is available. Please arrive early to pass through security.