Two Arrested in Newark Meth Lab, Pot Grow Bust

Two people were arrested today after police discovered a methamphetamine lab and a marijuana growing operation at a house at 36139 Magnolia St. today, according to the Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force.

Task Force Commander John Colombet said officers with the Alameda County Narcotics Task Force were serving a search warrant for drugs at the home on Magnolia Street, near Dairy Avenue, after 7 a.m. when they found liquids and other suspicious items commonly used in illicit meth labs.

Officers then called in agents from the Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force.

According to Colombet, officers arrested a man and woman in connection with the meth lab operation.

“Chemists are taking samples of everything in the back,” Colombet said at the scene Tuesday afternoon.

In addition to testing the acids and chemicals, Colombet says the chemists are neutralizing the liquids to safe levels.

“Officers found a lot of liquids, a lot of chemicals and glassware used in meth operations,” said Colombet. “With the set-up in there, they could have been easily cooking five pounds of methamphetamine a week.”

Colombet says about one pound of meth may sell for around $18,000 to $20,000.

Officers also found marijuana grow operations inside two bedrooms of the house, says Colombet.

A Pacific Gas and Electric crew shut off the gas to the house because officers saw circuits that were blown out, possibly from the pot grow operation.

“This is very uncommon for Newark,” Colombet said.

Colombet said any illicit meth lab poses a danger for neighbors—how much depends on the individual situation. He said authorities have the site under control and expect to clean up the area in a few hours.