Dalton Police Discover Meth Lab

Acting on information from a tip, Dalton Police investigators discovered a working Meth Lab inside a residence at 419 Florence Avenue, Dalton.

When officers first went to the residence, they spoke to the occupants and were invited in. Once inside, officers observed a jar containing liquid that had been placed near a heater. The suspects stated that the jar contained Coleman fuel and crushed "pills." Investigators then secured the residence to get a search warrant.

After the lab was dismantled by a response team, a subsequent search yielded more than twenty (20) separate items relating to the production of methamphetamines.

When police officers locate a suspected meth lab they must take several steps to insure officer and community safety. First, officers must back away and prevent entry to the area. Trained and specially equipped personnel then remove the items from the structure. The last step at the scene involves contacting the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) in order to remove the hazardous chemicals to a safe location. Part of the responsibility of removing the chemicals is to file notations with the local courthouse in the deed records for the property.

Although recent law changes made it more difficult, all of the ingredients to make Meth are still available over the counter in stores. These chemicals, when mixed or alone, can be very dangerous to your health and damaging to your property. If you smell strange chemicals around your neighborhood, report this to the police. You may also report drug information anonymously by calling the Dalton Police Drug tip line at 706-278-9085 and choose extension 221. You will be able to supply information and keep your identity anonymous if you wish.