Gordon men arrested in bust of suspected meth lab (Wisconsin)

BY MARIA LOCKWOOD
SUPERIOR DAILY TELEGRAM

Two men suspected of operating a methamphetamine lab are behind bars as the result of a Saturday investigation in Gordon.

The men, ages 38 and 39, were arrested on charges of possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, according to Michael Miller, narcotics detective with the Douglas County Sheriff's Department.

The 38-year-old also was arrested on suspicion of storing anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used to manufacture meth, in an unauthorized container.

The two made an initial appearance in Douglas County Court Monday but no criminal complaints were prepared. Court Commissioner Paul Baxter set bail at $1,000 cash with conditions for both men and ordered them to appear for a second initial appearance Tuesday.

According to a Sheriff's Department report, a neighbor of one of the men saw both driving near his property. When asked why, they told the neighbor they were looking for a lost dog. Later, the neighbor found a discarded box nearby that appeared to contain parts of a meth lab, and he called the Sheriff's Department.

Sgt. Al Peterson responded to the call at 7:06 a.m. and confirmed the equipment was the type used to manufacture methamphetamine. It exuded a strong odor, typical of the meth-making process, according to the report.

Miller said sheriff's deputies went to the 38-year-old suspect's property with a search warrant at 3 p.m. Saturday, assisted by the Superior Police Department's SWAT team and agents from the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigations Narcotics Bureau. Miller said officers located precursor chemicals for meth and a propane cylinder that tested positive for anhydrous ammonia, which is also used to make meth.

Because there were children present at the home, Miller said, both child protective services and the county's public health department were contacted.

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/14207226.htm