From Deseret News archives:

Girl taken from home

Police suspect a meth lab was being operated in Provo garage

Published: Monday, Dec. 20, 2004 10:22 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
PROVO — Child-welfare agents whisked a small girl out of a Provo house that police believe was being used as a clandestine methamphetamine lab.

The girl was taken into protective custody Monday after Provo police determined that chemicals in the garage of a house near 150 South and 900 West were meant to make crystal meth — a drug known as "Tina" by those in the illicit trade.

Provo Police Lt. Scott Finch said police officers went to the home in response to an anonymous complaint of "some suspicious activity that had been reported by neighbors."

"The officers talked with the owner and obtained permission to search the garage," Finch said.

Upon entering the garage, the lieutenant said, officers reportedly spotted drug paraphernalia.

As police continued to search the garage, they found a drug stash and materials used to "cook" methamphetamine, he said.

A man and woman who had been living in the garage were arrested for investigation of child endangerment, operating a clandestine drug lab, possession of methamphetamines and possession of paraphernalia.

The couple — a 32-year-old Orem man and a 26-year-old Spanish Fork woman — were booked Monday into the Utah County Jail.

Story continues below
Finch said the owner of the home is cooperating with police and was unaware of the alleged activity in the garage.

The Utah County Major Crimes Task Force was called to the home to collect evidence and start the decontamination process, Finch said.

"The chemicals used in making meth can be hazardous so they are taking precautions to make sure no one is going to be injured or become ill from this," Finch said.

Typically, "meth cooks" combine ingredients found in drain cleaners, paint thinner and match heads to make the drug.

Concerned neighbors stood on the sidewalk, watching police officers wearing bright hazardous-waste suits as they worked at the home.

"I barely moved here two weeks ago, and I didn't know anything about it," said one worried neighbor. "And now I know the neighborhood isn't safe."

Carol Sisco, Utah Department of Human Services spokeswoman, said information on the girl taken into custody, including her age, was not immediately available Monday night.

In most cases, Sisco said, the girl would be taken to a state-operated shelter where she would be examined by a medical professional. A drug test also likely would be administered.

The child would remain at the shelter until either a relative or foster family is found — and deemed suitable — to take the child into their care, Sisco said.

Police say anonymous tips are needed to combat neighborhood drug activity.

"If you see something suspicious, report it," Finch said. "It gives us an opportunity to check it out and then be able to determine if there is a problem or not. I've got to give credit to the neighbors in helping us out in this case."


Contributing: Sam Penrod, KSL-TV; E-mail: jeffh@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Sounds like a good option if you can't or won't switch to AT&T for the...

I worked with and around Bill Sederburg for 5 years while he was at...

Price injured; Miles has cast removed

hand. He needs to work on his moves to the basket and rebounding. Lateral...

Jazz blow big lead, hang on

play Fez or Koufos tonight. He went with a smaller line up and Boozer, Okur...

I've met Bennett before and he is a nice man. He also knows the Constitution...

Thousands protest health bill

That's never been a secret. Everyone will pay for it except those that don't...

What exactly were Nephite interpreters?

I agree with NonMormon. I am active LDS, and I enjoy Ash's articles, and I...

I kept saying don't resign Milsap, especially after Portland offered that...

U. hopes to keep clicking

BYU is the slowest team that has ever been in the top 25. Utah will put up a...

NFL: Midseason grades

i think u have the cowboys ranked too low! at least an A- LOL nice work!

Advertisements
Advertisement