Suspected meth lab discovered

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — Police discovered a suspected methamphetamine lab in the garage of a Mathews Road house.

Police Chief Patrick Berarducci said no charges have been filed.

Police received a tip about the possible operation, and on Sunday night, went to 1853 Mathews Road, a small, one-story white house with blue shutters. The house was a rental property, the chief said.

“Almost as soon as they got there, they could smell it,” the chief said.

A police report describes “a strong acidic odor” coming from the garage.

The home’s occupants gave police consent to search it, the report said, and people at the home told police that meth had been manufactured in the garage earlier.

Police and an agent from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration found anhydrous ammonia, one of the ingredients used in the manufacture of the drug, in the garage.

Among other items found was a 100-pound propane tank reported to contain anhydrous ammonia, a sports drink bottle containing residue, tubing and a lithium battery with the lithium removed.

Berarducci said this is the first suspected meth operation uncovered in the township since he became chief last year, but that the trend in meth making is the use of smaller facilities.

The Mahoning County Haz-Mat Team was called in to help decontaminate officers, and a hazardous waste disposal company from Marion, Ohio, was called in to remove the hazardous materials in the garage at the DEA’s request.