Sun staff
Clermont County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two people who were cooking methamphetamine in the trunk of their car May 10, according to Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg.
Laura Buchannan, 26, of Milford and Andrew Chase, 26, of Amelia were arrested after they were stopped in a vehicle for traffic violations.
“During his contact with the vehicle and occupants the deputy suspected criminal activity and utilized his canine for a sniff of the vehicle,” Rodenberg said.
He said the canine located powder methamphetamine along with items associated with the manufacturing of meth as well as an active meth lab, known as a “one pot” cook in the trunk.
The Clermont County Narcotics Unit responded to the scene and all hazardous materials were neutralized and disposed of.
Steve Leahy, investigative captain with the Clermont County Narcotics Unit, said a “one pot” is basically a more mobile way of making meth.
“It’s the same, it is just kind of reduced because it is more of a mobile situation,” Leahy said. “It’s just one pot and really a condensed format.”
Leahy said the one pot method has become more popular because people can produce meth in the back of a vehicle, a hotel, or other location without drawing too much attention.
He said individuals will use any kind of container or bottle.
“A two-liter, pop bottle, any type of bottle,” he said. “They are pretty creative.”
Leahy said the strong odor of chemicals is what they look for when they suspect someone to be producing meth.
He said in the situation involving Buchannan and Chase, the officer who pulled the vehicle over, was able to have a canine locate the meth.
He said overall, meth production has been on the rise in Clermont County.
“We are still seeing an increase this year,” Leahy said.
He said what is also interesting is the connection between meth and heroin users in the county.
“What we’re seeing is heroin addicts going in and purchasing some of the ingredients and come back and sell the items to the meth cooks,” he said.
Buchannan and Chase were both charged with one count of illegal assembly, a second-degree felony, and transported to Clermont County Jail.
Buchannan remains in jail on a $100,000 bond and Chase remains in jail on a $50,000 bond, according to sheriff’s office records.