Another meth lab found near school zone
Two people have been arrested in connection with what state and local authorities described as the fifth methamphetamine manufacturing lab in Washburn this year and the second within 1,000 feet of a school.
The latest suspected meth lab also represents the 102nd one investigated this year, an all-time record and more than double the number in 2015, according to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, which responded to the scene Tuesday.
A meth-related arrest in Presque Isle Monday night led Washburn police to find suspected meth-making materials at an apartment at 1295 Maine St. in Washburn, according to Washburn Police Chief Roy Guidry.
Five tenants and their families evacuated from the multi-unit complex after Washburn police discovered meth-making ingredients and contacted the MDEA, Guidry said.
MDEA investigators wearing protective suits and breathing equipment “found significant evidence of methamphetamine manufacturing inside,” according to a press release from the agency.
Two individuals that live in the apartment complex, which is less than 1,000 feet from the local elementary and high schools, were arrested in Presque Isle with evidence of methamphetamine in their vehicle, Guidry said.
Robert McKenzie and Crystal Smith, both aged 22 and of Washburn, were each charged with Class A aggravated unlawful operation of a meth lab, with bail set at $20,000 cash or $100,000 surety. The charges are aggravated for both individuals due to the location inside a multi-unit apartment building, and for McKenzie also because of a prior drug felony, according to the MDEA. Both were being held at Aroostook County Jail in Houlton as of Tuesday afternoon.
For Washburn, this year has been one of the worst for meth, said Guidry, who has been at the police department since 2009.
In August, a husband and wife were arrested and charged for an alleged methamphetamine operation that was within 1,000 feet of a school zone.
