Pubdate: Wed, 29 Dec 2004
Source: Times-Journal, The (Fort Payne, AL)
Copyright: 2004 Times-Journal
Contact:  http://www.times-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1883
Author: Mark Harrison, The Times-Journal
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

OUTDOOR LABS AGAIN DISCOVERED

Hammondville Police Chief Michael Putman said he may now have a solid
lead on those responsible for some of the drug-related activity in the
Hammondville area.

Putman said the remains of what appear to be six outdoor meth labs
were discovered in a wooded area alongside DeKalb County Road 757 on
Christmas Eve morning.

Putman said a hunter first stumbled onto the remnants of the labs and
contacted the Hammondville Police Department. This marks the second
time in recent weeks that such a discovery has been made in the
Hammondville area -- the remains of what appeared to be eight
freestanding outdoor meth labs were also discovered in a wooded area
adjacent to DeKalb County Road 752.

Putman said evidence from the more recent discovery points to
individuals recently arrested by another law-enforcement agency and
charged with alleged meth production.

Putman said the remnants of the six labs found on Christmas Eve have
been removed. He said no dangerous chemicals were found, but dated
papers discovered in the area suggest the labs had been used to "cook"
meth at least within a day of their discovery.

Additionally, Putman said he was in the same area on Dec. 23, cleaning
up the remnants of another meth lab he believes was abandoned at least
a month prior. He said the other labs weren't present at that time.

"It looks as if they were put there overnight," he said. "They came
and went in one night."

He said the remnants of the six fresh meth labs were found within
about 50 yards of one another. Items removed from the area included
copper tubing and empty chemical containers, he said.

Putman said his department has not yet made an arrest in connection
with the labs, but will continue to investigate.

Local law enforcement officers have found labs set up in rental homes,
apartments, garages, storage sheds, outbuildings and even vehicles.

Darrell Collins, commander of the DeKalb County Drug Task Force
recently said freestanding outdoor labs such as those that have been
found in the Hammondville area are becoming more common.
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