Minn. cop who stopped for gas busts motorist with ‘cooking’ meth lab

May 07, 2009 06:11 AM

Editor’s note: This article serves as a reminder to always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, both on duty and off duty. Read Scott Buhrmaster’s article on how to turn a “routine” ticket into a big-time bust. Also, Betsy Brantner Smith reminds officers that routine traffic stops aren’t.

By Paul Walsh
Star Tribune

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A motorist who pulled his vehicle into a Maple Plain convenience store with methamphetamine “cooking” in his vehicle was arrested by an officer who was there getting gas for the squad car, authorities said.

A 48-year-old Independence man and a passenger, a 27-year-old man also from Independence, were arrested last week on suspicion of drug manufacture.

According to police:

Shortly before 1 p.m. on April 28, the 48-year-old man pulled into Olson’s Market, on Hwy. 12, towing another vehicle on a dolly. A West Hennepin police officer had stopped for gas there. A routine check of the license plate on the vehicle showed that the owner had a suspended license and a warrant for his arrest. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver and his passenger were arrested.

A search of the vehicle revealed an overwhelming odor of ammonia. Drug paraphernalia, containers and other items were located “that confirmed the presence of a methamphetamine lab,” said West Hennepin Public Safety Director Ray McCoy.

Regional and federal drug investigators were called to the scene for examination and cleanup.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration confirmed that chemicals in at least one container were anhydrous ammonia and amphetamine, which were actively “cooking” in order to make methamphetamine.

A search by law enforcement of the men’s home in Independence turned up numerous items of drug paraphernalia. The two were jailed and later released from jail while test results on the substances are being conducted.