Agents of the task force discovered a meth lab with 16 gas cylinders with suspected anhydrous ammonia. The tanks were five feet tall and held several gallons of the gas.
Agents fearing for their safety backed out of the residence and called for back up from the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations West Branch as well as the Auburn Rural Fire Department and the Medical center Ambulance Service.
It was discovered that the residence had surveillance cameras on the house and mail box and a motion sensor with an alarm to detect movement approaching the residence.
Also discovered was a suspected incomplete improvised explosive devise in which the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency were called in to assist. Electricity was being stolen from Warren Rural Electric power lines by using an altered meter with the main cable cables exposed which according to authorities could have been fatal to humans coming in contact with them.
Authorities destroyed the 16 anhydrous tanks after determining they contained very large amounts of anhydrous. Authority reported it would have been far to dangerous to transport them.
“This was one of the most dangerous labs that I have been to in a long time,” said Director Jerry Smith of the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force. “Our officers and emergency personnel who were involved put themselves in great danger during this type of cleanup. The chemical dangers alone are bad enough but when you add possible electrocution and explosion to the factor the risk goes way up,” said Smith.
Smith warned people to keep a look out for these types of environments. He said people who look as if they are living in the middle of a junk yard may be suspect to this type of crime. “If you want to know what a meth house looks like, just look for a residence or dwelling that looks like the local land fill or dump because a user doesn't care for anything other than their next fix. They live for the drug,” said Smith.
If anyone suspects illegal drug activity they should contact their local authorities (726-4972). They should not attempt to investigate the situation themselves due to the dangers that may surround it.
“This is another example of how people should not get involved with illegal drug activity because the can fall into the same trap,” said Smith.
An arrest is expected to be made as soon as the case is summated to a state or federal grand jury.
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