Spring Meth Madness

A sad new spring tradition seems to have appeared in the area: The discovery of meth lab remains by residents getting out into the warmer weather.

The remnants of seven discarded meth labs were found around the area just on Saturday alone, according to the Noble County Sheriff's Department. Most were discarded along county roads after someone finished making the illegal drug -- they wanted to get rid of the tell-tale remains that could get them arrested, or injured by the chemicals involved. One of the labs was discovered near a parking lot in Chain O' Lakes State Park.

Although people clearing ditches or taking walks often uncovered the lab trash, in one case the discovery was made when a Kendallville area resident's dog dragged a bottle with a white substance in it onto the porch.

Everyone is asked to use extreme caution if they encounter the materials, which often consist of plastic bottles with a white substance inside. There may also be small plastic bags, straws, or tubes, in addition to other material. The chemicals involved sometimes aren't completely mixed and can come into contact when the containers are moved, causing toxic gasses to be released. In late March the remains of a lab ignited alongside a roadway near Albion, causing a small grass fire.

Anyone finding suspected meth trash is asked to call the police and report the location, but not touch the substance.