December 14, 2005

Battle Creek -  Following a tip from a local pharmacy, the Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) seized an active Methamphetamine laboratory in Van Buren County on Monday night. This seizure was the first to result directly from new state laws restricting the sale of Methamphetamine precursors, such as Sudafed and other nasal decongestant pills containing pseudoephedrine.

Public Acts 86 and 87 of 2005, which take effect tomorrow, require retailers who sell over the counter medicines containing either ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, key ingredients in the illegal production of Methamphetamine, to either place the medicines behind a counter or in a locked case or place an anti-theft device on the products.  The law also limits the amount of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine products an individual can purchase during a month and makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase these products.

"This seizure is a direct result of tougher laws and increased awareness among pharmacists and the public about Methamphetamine production," said Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). "The passage of stricter laws is a big step forward in the state’s battle against this dangerous drug."

During the week of December 4, a South Haven-area pharmacy alerted police of an individual who purchased an unusually large quantity of a medicine containing pseudoephedrine. As part of the new law, the store’s policy required the individual to present a valid photo ID to purchase the product. Because of this, the pharmacy was able to alert law enforcement of this suspicious behavior and provide detectives with the suspect’s name and address.

SWET detectives determined the suspect had an outstanding warrant for an unrelated charge and went to the residence to make an arrest. While at the residence, detectives discovered an active Meth lab. The Michigan Department of Human Services was also contacted in reference to two children who were found at the residence.

"In this case, it was the quick thinking of the store employee that led to this discovery," said Detective Lieutenant Dale Hinz, SWET. "Meth labs are a danger to both law enforcement officers and the community so it is important we continue to work together in this fight."

Charges associated with operating the Methamphetamine lab are forthcoming. The suspect’s name is being withheld pending arraignment .

Methamphetamine, also known as "Speed," "Crystal Meth," "Crank," or "Ice," is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is highly addictive. Unlike most drugs that have to be imported into a region, Methamphetamine can be manufactured cheaply and quickly using regular household chemicals purchased from pharmacies and hardware stores. As of December 6, 2005, there were 249 Meth labs seized in the state. In 2004, there were 209 labs seized.

Should anyone have information about methamphetamine production or use, they are encouraged to call the MSP’s 24-hour tip line at 1-866-Meth-Tip.

The SWET is a multijurisdictional narcotics enforcement team made up of officers from Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, Cassopolis Police Department, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, Portage Police Department, South Haven Police Department and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department. The team covers the counties of Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.