Police: Man cooked suspected meth in pop bottles

Deputies were dispatched to the man’s mobile home on the 9000 block of Geraldine Street in the township last week after receiving complaints of methamphetamine smoke.

“One of the residents called to report a suspected drug house,” said Sgt. Geoff Fox of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.

When a deputy came out to investigate, the 36-year-old refused to let him in the mobile home. However, there was a video camera posted outside the residence. The man said it wasn't operational because his electricity wasn’t working, according to police.

Fox said it’s not uncommon for houses where drug activity is present to have video cameras outside for surveillance.

In this case, since the man said he had no electricity, deputies contacted the Ypsilanti Township ordinance office. A warrant was obtained to search the mobile home to see if there were any ordinance violations. In order to occupy a structure, for instance, it must have electricity.

Deputies and township ordinance officers searched the mobile home.

“A strong odor of chemicals was immediately noticed,” Fox said.

Police found plastic pop bottles with a white powder residue, tubing, Mason jars and other materials related to cooking methamphetamines. A minimal amount of meth was found, Fox said.

The man eventually confessed to using the drug. He was immediately arrested on warrants for an unrelated drunken driving charge, according to police. Drug-related charges could follow.

A unit with the Michigan State Police that specializes in cleaning out drug houses responded to the residence to dispose of any hazardous materials.

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