Pubdate: Thu, 31 Oct 2002
Source: Sampson Independent, The (NC)
Copyright: 2002, The Sampson Independent
Contact:  http://www.clintonnc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1704

COST OF METH LAB CLEANUP COULD FAR EXCEED BOND SET FOR SUSPECT

A cleanup operation that lasted all day and into the night after a 
methamphetamine lab was discovered in northern Sampson County yesterday 
will cost three times the amount of bond set for the person accused of 
operating the drug operation.

Robert Edward Walker Jr., 27, of 482 Ira B. Tart Road, Dunn, was charged 
Tuesday evening with manufacturing methamphetamine, maintaining a place to 
manufacture methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug 
paraphernalia. Magistrate Robert Naylor set his bond at $4,000 an arrest 
report showed. He had posted bond and returned home before the cleanup 
operation was complete.

Walker is charged with setting up a clandestine laboratory where the 
ingredients are "cooked" to produce methamphetamine, commonly referred to 
as ice, crystal, or glass. Once the cooking process is complete, the drug 
is sold as a powder or small chunks that are smoked, injected, snorted, or 
inhaled.

U. S. Drug Enforcement Agent Rob Balis said the operation Walker is accused 
of setting up would cost between $10,000 and $15,000.

Ferguson-Harbour Inc., a company based in Tennessee, had a hazardous 
material team cleaning a barn located behind 482 Ira B. Tart Road, and in a 
wooded area next to the residence Wednesday.

"Normally the cleanup operation takes a couple of hours," said Chad 
Sturgill, a hazardous materials technician. "This is taking longer because 
of a tank of anhydrous ammonia."

The chemical, once commonly used by farmers to fertilize fields, is a 
cryogenic gas that freezes when released. The large tank found at the 
methamphetamine lab had frozen and the releasing process was expected to 
take up to 24 hours.

Agent Balis said anhydrous ammonia is a necessary product in the "cooking 
operation."

Clandestine laboratories present numerous hazards to people and the 
environment. The chemicals and other products used in the operation are 
extremely explosive and hazardous. The sites where labs are found are 
considered hazardous waste sites and proper cleanup is required.

Agent Balis said restitution for the cost of a clandestine laboratory 
cleanup may, or may not, be imposed to the person charged with operating 
the lab. The discretion falls upon the judge that imposes sentencing if the 
defendant is found guilty in court.
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MAP posted-by: Beth