Police uncover secret drug laboratory
A tip about a man with a gun led Windsor police to a clandestine drug lab at a city home containing “extremely dangerous” chemicals that could be used for producing methamphetamine or homemade explosives.
Those involved in meth labs are “risking their lives and the lives of those around them,” said Windsor Police Service spokesman Sgt. Steve Betteridge. “You’re putting yourself and others in huge jeopardy.”
Following the arrest Friday of a man in the 1500 block of Lincoln Road by members of the drugs and guns unit (DIGS), a weapons search warrant was executed at a home in the 2600 block of Gem Avenue.
The subsequent discovery of materials that could be used in the manufacturing of homemade explosives or production of methamphetamine triggered a road closure and a call to the Windsor police explosive disposal unit.
By Saturday, after obtaining a drug search warrant, a section of Gem Avenue was again closed off and Windsor investigators were joined by the Ontario Provincial Police’s Clandestine Laboratory Team to assist in the collection of evidence and disposal of hazardous materials.
Justin Jamrog, 38, of Windsor, is charged with one count of production of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and one count of possession of items for use in the production of methamphetamine.
Betteridge said the criminal investigation remains active and that more charges could be laid. Ten “unknown substances” were seized and are being forwarded to Health Canada for analysis.
As a “methodical step-by-step” search and seizure was being conducted at the targeted home, officers went door-to-door in the neighbourhood to assure residents there was no danger to them. While dangerous when combined, Betteridge said the “very volatile” substances discovered are “fairly safe” on their own.
The fact the same chemical substances can be used to manufacture homemade explosives is an indication of how hazardous a clandestine meth drug lab can be, said Betteridge, adding it’s “fairly rare” to uncover such illicit operations in Windsor.
Methamphetamine, “an extremely dangerous, dirty and addictive drug,” is one that local drug officers encounter fairly regularly, said Betteridge.
The award-winning fictional TV series Breaking Bad has given the public a general idea of what meth labs are and what the drug can do to a community.
“Clandestine drug labs can be ticking time bombs,” he said, adding they not only put lives directly at risk but can poison air and the environment and contaminate structures.
Asked whether others, including children, lived in the home raided by police, Betteridge would only say that the investigation is ongoing.
The man arrested Friday was found to be in possession of a pellet gun concealed in a shoulder holster, police said.
During the search of the home, police found another two pellet handguns, a canister of bear spray and a cartridge breathing mask.
“Time and time again, when we find drugs, we find guns,” Betteridge said.
Anyone with more information about this case or other drug activities can call the Windsor Police Service at 519-255-6700 ext. 4361 or Crime Stoppers at 519-2588477 (TIPS).
You can also leave tips online at catchcrooks.com.