Snap 06-11-07

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Project of South Dakota

METH Awareness And Prevention Project of South Dakota

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June 11, 2007

In Indiana – Police arrested five people and an undercover officer was exposed to potentially dangerous anhydrous ammonia fumes when authorities busted a Meth lab. Police had received tips about a potential Meth lab on the property and went to the area to check them out. They say people running away, but they were all rounded up. The suspects included two, 36-year-old, women and three men, ages 37, 24 and 19. They all face an initial felony illegal drug lab charge; four of them also are charged with felony dealing in Meth. Police allegedly found Meth manufacturing components in a vehicle, a barn and a home on the property. During the investigation, an undercover officer was exposed to anhydrous ammonia vapors.

In Massachusetts - A 17-year-old went online to research recipes to make crystal Meth, then called 911 for help. Police found the chemicals and lab equipment inside the apartment. The teen told his mother and investigators that he was experimenting with science. Because the teen had not finished making the crystal Meth, police have decided not to press criminal charges.

In California – Police believe the small home-based Meth lab they raided had been operating for years. Officers found some equipment buried in the backyard – near a small marijuana garden. Police were searching for the owner, a 50-year-old man who was not home at the time of the raid.

In Minnesota - Three men face federal charges stemming from a Meth bust. The suspects, 38-, 32- and 21-years old, are charged with conspiracy to distribute a substance containing Meth. They were arrested during a traffic stop. One suspect allegedly possessed two grams of cocaine. Another allegedly had about 53 grams of Meth taped to his genitals. When investigators later searched the home where two of the three lived, they arrested two more men, 51- and 26-years old, on immigration violations. They may also face Meth charges. The search at the residence turned up two bags of suspected Meth, holding about 638 grams, and two bags of suspected cocaine weighing in at about 404 grams. Investigators also found a handgun and ammunition.

In Colorado - A 29-year-old man received a 64-year prison sentence after a jury convicted him in April on several Meth-related charges, including child abuse. Detectives searched his home last fall and found Meth, chemicals to manufacture it, supplies, a Meth recipe and drug paraphernalia. His 3-year-old stepdaughter was in the home when detectives found the drugs. Officers found Meth and drug paraphernalia around the house and near the girl's toys and belongings. The defendant was on bond for another drug charge at the time of the raid. In addition to the Meth related crimes, the judge deemed the man a habitual offender.

In New York – A 41-year-old man was sentenced to a year in a county prison followed by a year of intensive probation and two years of standard probation, plus fined nearly $3,000 for Meth possession and intent to deliver. He pled guilty to the felony charges. He still faces court on other Meth charges.

In Nebraska - Police saw a van driving on the wrong side of the road and pulled it over. Two men jumped out and ran from the scene. Officers found them in a nearby house. The van was emitting a strong chemical odor, and when police searched it, they found a potent mix of chemicals, including anhydrous ammonia. The two suspects, 36- and 27-years old, are charged on suspicion of possession of anhydrous ammonia and Meth manufacturing.