PAPD busts meth lab

Mary Meaux
The Port Arthur News

PORT ARTHUR May 21, 2008 06:21 pm

— A tip led Port Arthur Police to the arrest of a man suspected of running a methamphetamine lab in his home.
Sgt. Scott Gaspard said the tip came from a woman who was angry that her husband was spending time at the alleged methamphetamine house.
A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man for possession of chemicals with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. The offense is a second degree felony. The suspect faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a possible fine not to exceed $10,000.
The name of the suspect can not be released until he has been arraigned by a judge.
After receiving the tip, members of the Port Arthur Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit and Narcotic Investigators conducted a “Knock and Talk” investigation at 6017 Mauve Ave. One of the residents of the home was suspected of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine.
The residents gave officers consent to search the premises and officers found chemicals sudofedrine blister packs, red phosphorus, iodine crystals, a gas generator and glassware.
Gaspard said when the small lab was discovered and officers realized the chemicals were volatile they called members of the Texas Department of Public Safety for assistance as safety officials. DPS officers also assisted in collecting the dangerous and flammable chemicals.
While at the home, officers discovered an undetermined amount of finished product.
On Wednesday, trucks and other vehicles were parked at the empty looking residence and children’s toys were visible in the front yard.
Gaspard said a child lives at the home from time to time but was not living at the Mauve Avenue house when police arrived.
The meth lab was capable of producing one to two ounces of methamphetamine per “cook,” he said. A lab of this size can also produce multiple “cooks” per day.
No official charges have been filed and a probable cause was developed on a charge of controlled substance manufacturing.
The offense is currently under investigation by the PAPD narcotics detectives and DPS. Gaspard expects the case to be presented to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office in one to two days.

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