Pubdate: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 Source: London Free Press (CN ON) Copyright: 2004 The London Free Press a division of Sun Media Corporation. Contact: http://www.lfpress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/243 Author: Kelly Pedro Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/methamphetamine+lab ELEVENTH DRUG LAB UNCOVERED IN PERTH A man and a woman were charged after police seized 490 grams of speed. OPP drug officers have uncovered the 11th methamphetamine lab in Perth County in less than two years. OPP officers searched a farmhouse at 4700 Perth Road 135, just outside Stratford, around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Det. Jeff Johnstone said yesterday. Police seized 490 grams of meth -- commonly called by its street name speed -- worth about $39,200. A 32-year-old man and 30-year-old woman are charged with production of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. OPP officers specially trained to dismantle meth labs were on scene, along with Health Canada officials, Perth East firefighters and Perth County paramedics. Police said they are uncovering more meth labs in the area, commonly know among police as a hotbed for the dangerous labs. Meth is made using hazardous chemicals readily available in hardware or farm stores, such as sulphuric acid, lithium and anhydrous ammonia. "In 10 years, I've never seen this type of activity happening. We've never come across these type of labs before," said Johnstone, adding they're sophisticated. "They're just popping up more and more." He said organized crime isn't a reason for the sudden surge in labs. "These are people that to some degree are users," Johnstone said. The danger of meth labs was demonstrated earlier this year when one exploded at a Milverton home, seriously injuring a father and son. Alex Siegner, 49, and Cory Siegner, 21, were charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and production of a controlled substance. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin