Meth users busted during 'last hurrah'

HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) - Some alleged methamphetamine users were busted at their residence while having a "last hurrah" before joining a rehabilitation program.

Hastings police officers received a tip Feb. 2 about a possible meth lab in the basement of a house in the 500 block of E. Madison Street. They were also told young children live in the residence.

Officers talked to the residents who gave permission to look through the house.

Officers saw several meth-manufacturing components, which were in the basement and an upstairs bedroom.

The residents denied making the drug, however, admitted to using meth and calling it their "last hurrah" before joining Narcotics Anonymous in the upcoming week, according to a news release.

The meth components were removed from the house, and Department of Human Services was contacted regarding the welfare of the children in the house.

Then the next day, officers were told about a "meth dump" in a trash can outside the Superette store.

Officers arrived and saw a bag, inside the trash can, which contained a bottle with a white rag, and had a very strong chemical odor. The area around the trash can was secured, and Michigan State Police personnel trained in meth clean-up were called to the scene.

The investigation revealed one of the residents from the meth bust at the residence was the person who put the active gas generator in the trash can.

The report will be forwarded to the Barry County Prosecutor's Office for review.