Pubdate: Fri, 03 Jan 2003
Source: Commercial Appeal (TN)
Copyright: 2003 The Commercial Appeal
Contact:  http://www.gomemphis.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/95
Author: Chris Conley

FIREFIGHTERS FIND APPARENT METH LAB

Explosive Situation

Memphis firefighters called to a house in the Nutbush area Thursday morning 
found what appeared to be a methamphetamine lab about to explode.

Federal officials had one man in custody Thursday night and had obtained a 
search warrant to seize and destroy what was described as a large, fully 
functional methamphetamine lab.

Firefighters who arrived at the home at 4175 Reed near National Cemetery 
about 9:15 a.m. saw what appeared to be a vapor spewing from the house.

They entered through a rear window and were greeted with the sharp smell of 
ammonia, a component in methamphetamine, police said.

The highly addictive drug - also known as meth, crank, ice or chalk - is 
made using readily available ingredients such as pseudoephedrine (found in 
cold medicines), hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner and lighter fluid.

In the attic, firefighters found "an apparatus containing a boiling 
liquid," according to the search warrant affidavit by DEA task force agent 
James Taylor.

Police officers arrived and dismantled the equipment. Among other items, 
they found small plastic bags containing methamphet amine residue and pipes 
used to smoke the drug, the affidavit said.

DEA agents obtained an order to destroy any chemicals found in the house 
because such products have "caused explosions and fires . . . and have 
resulted in injuries and health problems," according to the affidavit.

A meth lab exploded last year in a mobile home in Hawkins County in East 
Tennessee, killing two men and severely injuring a third.

"It's a very dangerous situation," said Chief Fire Marshal Alvin Benson. 
"We have had instances in the past where we've run across (labs)," Benson 
said. "We tell the guys to be aware . . . and pull out if necessary."

One man was arrested when he showed up at the house on Reed in possession 
of some meth while firefighters were still there, according to the 
affidavit. Federal charges are expected today.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart