The discovery of several meth labs in recent weeks utilized the Region 2, Bainbridge-Decatur County Hazmat unit.   Our response team is now responding to meth labs after 4 members completed certification at the Police Academy in Forsyth GA.

Team Commander and Asst. Fire Chief Doyle Welch, Public Safety Officers Sgt Ray Cox, Cpl Jon Harrison and Sheriff's Investigator Chip Nix completed the 50 hour clandestine laboratory investigator course.

At left,
One pot method of cooking meth
and wet meth on a coffee filter

At the end of March, the team responded to a meth lab in the Days Inn and 3 weeks ago, a rolling active meth lab discovered by Public Safety.

In the rolling lab case, 2 suspects were arrested but Todd Welch, aka Yankee, took off running and got away.  Several days later, a tip to law enforcement led to his capture in Illinois waiting at a bus station.

Over the last several months a number of meth labs have been busted, May 1 Meth Bust, Cruelty to Child,  March 21 Meth Possession, then Lab Busted  and March 7 Lynn Justice Road Meth Lab

Sgt Ray Cox

Asst Chief Welch stated that for every 1 pound of meth produced, there is 7 pounds of hazardous waste that they dump.   The class of about 22 law enforcement officers reviewed the different methods of producing meth,  actually producing a batch in the class.

During the week they studied an overview of labs, toxicology, chemical and physical hazards, air monitoring, protective clothing, respiratory protection, site control, chemical handling, and legal issues.

Lt Chip Nix

The handling of the product and the precursors in producing meth was an important part of the class.  A meth lab uses dangerous chemicals such as anhydrous ammonia, acetone and red devil lye.  It has been estimated that 20% of low-level meth labs are discovered because of a fire or explosion.

This was evidenced by a meth lab explosion in an Albany residential neighborhood last Saturday which sent the maker to the hospital with severe burns.  It also put the first responders into immediate danger because they were not aware they were walking into a meth lab.  Training on meth lab awareness has become an important aspect for emergency services personnel as well.

The most danger comes from the vapors produced by a lab.  Fumes created in the manufacture of meth can permeate mattresses, carpet, walls, etc. making the area a very real health risk.  The Days Inn was ordered to shut down several rooms because of the lab found there.

One never knows when a meth lab could be next door to your home.  Here is a list of signs so everyone may be more aware of the Signs of a Meth Lab.

Team Commander and Asst. Fire Chief Doyle Welch states there are 23 counties in GEMA's Region 2 (Georgia Emergency Management Agency).