Meth lab bust leads to another

COOPER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A follow-up investigation led authorities in Kalamazoo County to a second methamphetamine lab bust in two days.

The original investigation began Jan. 17 in the 1000 block of Lay Boulevard in Kalamazoo where meth with an approximate street value of $2,500 was seized. The two suspects had ties to a house in the 7000 block of Douglas Avenue in Cooper Township.

So members of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Community Outreach Problem Solving Division (COPS) went to that second home at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 18 to conduct a follow-up.

Investigators could smell a strong odor of ammonia coming from a vehicle parked in the driveway. The owner gave officers consent to search the vehicle, in which a large anhydrous ammonia meth lab was found in the trunk, according to a news release.

Based on the evidence found in the vehicle, investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence. Inside the home they found finished meth packaged for individual sales, a large amount of US currency believed to be the proceeds from meth sales, an assault rifle, multiple other rifles and shotguns, and two handguns. One of the handguns had a filed-off serial number.

Investigators also searched the attached garage and located two active one-pot meth labs and other meth-making components.