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Meth lab discovered in Greene

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CRUCIBLE – A methamphetamine lab operating out of a Crucible residence just blocks from a public park was shut down Wednesday by Cumberland Township police, and the operator was arrested.

Responding to a tip, police went to 433 Fifth Ave., where Jeffery Lloyd Guthrie, 33, who has addresses in Fairchance, Fayette County, and Morgantown, W.Va., answered the door. The homeowner, Shannon Hughes, allowed the officers inside, where police found the meth lab.

Guthrie acknowledged ingredients for cooking methamphetamine found in a bookbag were his. He said he manufactured and sold meth on 10 occasions.

Guthrie was charged with operating a methamphetamine lab, manufacture, delivery or possession with intent, possession of red phosphorous with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, improperly storing or disposing of chemical waste, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

“Meth is a problem in southern West Virginia, and we heard from an officer it was coming,” said Cumberland Township police Chief Craig Miller. “It is an amphetamine. It speeds the user up. You’ve seen the pitted faces of heroin users. As bad as that is, this is worse.

“Meth is highly volatile because of the chemicals used. It produces toxic byproducts that have to be disposed of. Before, I hadn’t seen any of it in over a decade here, but lately it has been popping up.”

The state police Clandestine Lab Response Team collected fuel, bottles, tubing, glass beakers, sulfuric acid and other items from the residence.

Miller said the investigation is continuing and additional charges might be filed.

Guthrie was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Lee Watson and placed in Greene County jail on $75,000 cash bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. March 24.

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