Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Chemicals and Waste Used in Methamphetamine Production

***Logan County Sheriff's Office Press Release***


Sterling, Colorado – On March 24th, 2011, Logan County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matt Williams contacted a vehicle at CR 33 and Highway 14 in Sterling for speeding. The driver, Shannon E. Ederer was arrested for driving while suspended. After an investigation, a search warrant was issued on Ederer’s vehicle. During that search warrant, suspicious items were located. Upon further examination, those items were identified as chemicals used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Members of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Colorado Plains Drug Task Force, and Sterling Fire Deparment, who are trained in dismantling meth labs, responded to the scene to process the materials. Once completed, a hazardous waste disposal company collected the materials for proper destruction.

Ederer is currently being held at the Logan County Detention Center on charges of Speeding, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Manufacturing Methamphetamines – Criminal Attempt.

While Methamphetamine production has sharply declined over the course of the last decade, Methamphetamine continues to present a large community problem. The primary source of Methamphetamine has been linked to Mexican-based drug organizations that ship a purer, more addictive former of the drug - crystal meth, also known as "ice.” The sharp decline in domestic production of Methamphetamines has been linked to strict laws concerning the sale of everyday cold medication used in production.

Though rare, discoveries of portable or “rolling” labs continue to present hazardous and environmental challenges to law enforcement. When the ingredients are combined, they can ignite, causing explosions, fires and the release of toxic fumes. Many times, the waste material is dumped outdoors, causing irreparable damage to the environment and drinking water.

Learn the signs of a potential Meth lab to protect your family and your property from catastrophic damage:

*A strong smell that might resemble urine, or an unusual chemical smell like ether, ammonia or acetone
* Little or no traffic during the day, but lots of traffic at extremely late hours.

* Extra efforts made to cover windows or reinforce doors.

* Residents never putting their trash out.

*Lab materials surrounding the property (lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, clear glass jugs and duct tape).

*Vehicles loaded with trunks, chemical containers, or basic chemistry paraphernalia - glassware, rubber tubing, etc.

*Laboratory glassware being carried into the residence.

If you see evidence that makes you suspect a Meth lab, call law enforcement immediately and explain your concerns. Do not attempt to gather evidence on your own, and never handle any materials that may be associated with a lab.