19 meth labs seized in Washington

Washington — A drug investigation into suspected methamphetamine use led officers to a home where 19 meth labs were seized Monday evening.

State police were investigating suspected methamphetamine activity at 2049 South State Road 57, Lot 39, Washington at about 9:49 p.m. Officers met with Daniel R. Purdue, 50, and Tina R. Purdue, 44, Washington and while inside the residence, officers observed in plain view tin foil with suspected drug residue on it.

A search warrant for the residence was applied for and received through the Daviess County Court. With warrant in hand, officers with the Indiana State Police, Washington Police, and Daviess County Sheriff’s Department began searching the home, finding 19 “one-pot” methamphetamine labs, 24 syringes, 54 foil “boats” or devices used to smoke and ingest methamphetamine, numerous other smoking devices, marijuana, Hydrocodone, and other drug paraphernalia.

Both occupants were charged with Level 3 felony counts of manufacturing/dealing methamphetamine, Level 5 felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, Level 6 felony counts of maintaining a common nuisance, possession of marijuana and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, and class A misdemeanor counts of possession of paraphernalia.

Both suspects were lodged in the Daviess County Security Center without incident. The Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Suppression Section assisted in the cleanup of the methamphetamine labs and lab trash.

The Indiana State Police continue to ask for your help in removing methamphetamine and other drugs from our communities.

Anyone with information can contact the Meth Suppression Section by calling 1-800-453-4756, or the Jasper Post by calling 1-812-482-1441.

* no photograph of Tina Purdue was available.