Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jan 2000
Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS)
Copyright: 2000 The Clarion-Ledger
Address: P.O. Box 40 Jackson, MS 39205-0400
Fax: (601) 961-7211
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Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/
Author: Thyrie Bland, Clarion-Ledger Staff Writer

DRUG AGENTS FIND MORE CRYSTAL METH INGREDIENTS

Bust Reveals Second, Third Suspected Meth Labs In Week

State Bureau of Narcotics agents found chemicals and other materials
commonly used to make crystal methamphetamine at two southwest Jackson
houses Wednesday.

The discovery marked the second time in a less than a week MBN agents
have found materials used to make the drug in southwest Jackson. On
Dec. 30, agents found materials hidden in woods along TV Road. No
arrests have been made in that case.

Agents are investigating if there is a connection between that lab and
what was found Wednesday, Lewis said.

A tip led agents to the first alleged lab at 1903 Greenway Drive on
Wednesday.

While agents were still investigating there, a resident led them to a
second suspected lab two houses down, MBN spokeswoman Delores Lewis
said.

"This was a potentially dangerous situation," Lewis said, referring to
the explosive chemicals used to make the highly addictive drug.

Lee Lum, no age available, was arrested and charged with possession of
precursors in connection with the suspected lab at 1903 Greenway
Drive, Lewis said.

A precursor is defined as a substance used to make another
substance.

No arrests have been made in connection with the second suspected
lab.

Agents found anhydrous ammonia, a volatile fertilizer used to make
methamphetamine; paraphernalia associated with the drug; and
containers converted to contain hydrochloride and other chemicals at
1903 Greenway Drive, Lewis said. They also found night vision goggles
and scales, she said.

Lewis didn't know Wednesday what was found at the other
home.

Last year, state and local law officers found 88 methamphetamine
manufacturing labs across the state between Jan. 1 and Nov. 10. An
updated figure was not available Wednesday.

The biggest problem with methamphetamine labs has been seen in north
Mississippi, but agents are starting to see the problem trickle down
to central and south Mississippi, Lewis said.

One way to fight the problem, Lewis said, is to educate retailers to
report people buying unusual amounts of materials used to make crystal
methamphetamine and farmers to report theft of anhydrous ammonia.

An eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine, known as an 8-ball, may sell
for $250 on the street, officials said.
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