Meth house discovered on Bevens

Photo taken from meth-kills.org • Supplies used in the production of meth.

By Mary Drier
Staff Writer

CARO — A “meth house” was found in rural Tuscola County last week.

On Jan. 8, the Michigan State Police Post in Caro received a tip about a clandestine methamphetamine lab operating in the rural Caro area.

When troopers followed up on the tip, they found it was credible.

As part of their investigation, troopers went to a home on Bevens Road in Indianfields Township and located a methamphetamine lab being operated in the home.

Methamphetamine, an illegal synthetic drug is also known as “meth,”  “crank,” “crystal,” “speed,” and “ice.” It stimulates the central nervous system. The effects of meth are similar to cocaine.

Because the chemicals to make methamphetamine are hazardous, the MSP Methamphetamine Team was called in to clean up the scene.

During meth production, the property where it is being done can become contaminated with hazardous chemicals, and there is a strong risk of fire or explosion.

Some common household chemicals used in meth lab production include flammable and volatile solvents such as: anhydrous ammonia, acetone, methanol, battery acid (sulfuric acid), ether, benzene, drain cleaner (sodium hydroxide), methylene chloride, trichloroethane, and toluene.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, these are some indicators of a meth lab: propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue. Occupants of the residence constantly going outside to smoke. Strong smell of urine or unusual chemical smells such as ether, ammonia or acetone. An usual amount of cold tablet containers that list ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as ingredients. Coffee filters containing a white pasty substance, a dark red sludge, or small amounts of shiny white crystals, and a large amounts of lithium batteries, especially ones that have been stripped.

And also if there are jars: containing clear liquid with a white or red colored solid on the bottom, containing iodine or dark shiny metallic purple crystals inside of jars, containing red phosphorus or a fine dark red or purple powder, containing sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid, containing rubber tubing attached or Glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Caro Police Department, the Caro Fire Department and Thumb Narcotics Unit.

Because the investigation regarding the suspects allegedly responsible for manufacturing of methamphetamine continues, no other information is available.

Anyone having information about methamphetamine labs operating in the Thumb area are asked to contact the Michigan State Police Post at (989) 673-2156.

Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.