At approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March, the METRICH enforcement Unit, with assistance from the Mansfield Police Department and Ohio BCI & I Clandestine Drug Lab Unit executed a methamphetamine related search warrant at 89 Lexington Ave. in Mansfield.
The Mansfield Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
Detectives with the METRICH Enforcement Unit went to 89 Lexington Ave. earlier in the evening after receiving several complaints that methamphetamine was being manufactured there. During the knock and talk, detectives observed some ingredients and chemicals that are consistent with the illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine.
As a result of the observation, detectives and MPD patrol officers secured the residence while a search warrant could be obtained, and a warrant was signed by the Honorable Judge Ardis.
METRICH Enforcement Unit Detective Wheeler, who is a Methamphetamine Specialist and the Ohio BCI & I Clandestine Drug Lab Unit processed the scene and neutralized the chemicals and ingredients. The chemical fumes produced from a meth lab can be noxious and harmful to anyone who is exposed to them.
The individual believed responsible for this meth lab was not present at the residence at the time that the search warrant was executed. The METRICH Enforcement Unit will present charges to the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office for Illegal Manufacture of Drugs, Illegal Assembly or Possession of Chemicals for Manufacture of Drugs and Possession of Controlled Substances once the investigation is completed.
Citizens are encouraged to be proactive by reporting suspected drug activity. Citizens can call the METRICH crime tip hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or 419-755-9728.
