Multiple agencies bust dangerous drug lab in Rock Island

ROCK ISLAND — An investigation that originated in Grant County led several agencies to a dangerous drug lab in Rock Island on Wednesday.

The Washington State Patrol SWAT team and crime lab, Washington Department of Ecology, Columbia River Drug Task Force, Grant County’s Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies teamed up to raid the residence in the 4600 block of Hurst Landing Road in Rock Island. The investigation, which involved over 10 search warrants, was a result of two deputies passing along a tip, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s office.

On-scene professionals described the scene as a “sophisticated text book example” of a commercial dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and butane honey oil (BHO) lab. The GCSO explained DMT is a hallucinogen that is capable of bringing about a psychedelic experience that ranges in length from 30 to 45 minutes. BHO is a liquid marijuana extract that delivers large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to the user.

Recovered at the residence were several gallons of laboratory liquid reagents that presented a danger to investigators because of its explosive and poisonous properties. In addition, investigators found several pressurized gas cylinders that were not properly stored.

“Officials are monitoring the atmosphere for hazardous conditions, identifying and quantifying all hazardous substances associated with the drug manufacturing process, determining the scope of the clean-up, and overseeing the removal of all hazardous materials on-site,” sheriff’s office spokesman Kyle Foreman said.

The operators of the lab were reportedly producing the products to be illegally sold on the internet. Thousands of bottles, containers and labels, commercial sealers, packaging and shipping supplies, and several pounds of finished product were found inside the house.

"This investigation started in Grant County and eventually led us to the Hurst Landing home," Sheriff Tom Jones said. "On the outside, it looks like any other home in a nice neighborhood, but hidden inside was a drug lab capable of injuring people in a variety of different ways. I'm grateful for the teamwork between all of the different agencies which helped make this neighborhood safer again."

The investigation is continuing and no one has been booked into jail or charged with a crime.