HOUGHTON, MI— A Houghton County man has been arrested on charges related to the manufacture of meth.
Detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team learned a male suspect and other conspirators have been purchasing components used to make the drug in a process that is commonly known by law enforcement as “one pot” or “shake and bake” meth labs. This method of manufacturing meth consists of a chemical reaction when users mix specific household chemicals together with pseudoephedrine. It is extremely dangerous, as it can release harmful gases or cause a violent explosion if it is not handled properly.
On Monday, UPSET detectives identified the suspect as he left a local store, where he had just purchased precursor ingredients used in making meth. He was arrested outside of his vehicle on charges relating to conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, illegal possession of ephedrine/pseudoephedrine, and maintaining a drug house/vehicle.
Detectives, who are trained to dismantle clandestine labs, conducted a search of the vehicle. They seized a number of components necessary to manufacture meth, as well as evidence indicating the suspect has cooked meth on multiple occasions over the previous weeks.
The suspect was lodged in the Houghton County Jail.
UPSET was assisted by the Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office, Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Houghton City Police Department, Hancock City Police Department, Houghton and Hancock City Fire Departments, and Superior Service Towing.
