Detectives from the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team were contacted by a property owner from Calvin Township on Monday, Nov. 16 on a report of a suspected methamphetamine lab.

The property owner advised detectives he had removed a large amount of discarded trash from his property and transported it to a secondary location in Elkhart, Ind.

While disposing of the trash the subject discovered what he believed may be meth components and waste. This individual then contacted Cass County Drug Enforcement Detectives as the trash had been recovered there. Detectives then notified investigators with the Elkhart City Police Department. Elkhart City investigators contacted the Indiana State Police, who assisted in the recovery and disposal of the meth-related waste and components in Indiana.

Detectives with the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team made contact with the property owner at his property in Calvin Township Tuesday, Nov. 17. Additional meth lab components and waste were recovered from the property. Detectives were also able to recover evidence that allowed them to secure a search warrant for a residence in the 64000 block of Calvin Center Road.

Detectives executed the search warrant at that residence and located two female subjects at that time. Both subjects were taken into custody. Detectives recovered additional meth lab components and waste as well as meth and marijuana in the residence.

In a combined effort, detectives with the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team as well as the Indiana State Police recovered approximately 188 meth “one pot” style labs as well as approximately 234 hydrogen chloride gas generators were recovered from all three locations combined. A drug and laboratory disposal company responded to the scenes to collect and remove the hazardous materials.

The two female subjects at the residence during the execution of the search warrant were arrested on various charges.

One female, a 51-year-old Cassopolis resident, was charged with manufacturing meth, possessing a laboratory with hazardous waste, possession of meth with intent to deliver, possession of meth and maintaining a drug house.

The second subject, a 28-year-old Bristol, Ind. resident, was charged with possession of meth and frequenting a drug house. Both subjects are lodged at the Cass County Correctional Facility pending arraignment. This case is still under investigation and additional charges may be forth coming.

Cass County Drug Enforcement detectives ask that anyone having any information about this, or any other narcotics related activity contact the Cass County tip line at (800) 462-9328.