By MIKE FLETCHER
A strange odor emitting from a storage unit turned out to be a methamphetamine lab and resulted in the closing of North Street east of U.S. 31 for a few hours Thursday morning.
The Kokomo Fire Department received a call at about 9:35 a.m. about a strange odor coming from the Stor It Mini Warehouses, 1900 E. North St., just east of U.S. 31.
A host of fire trucks, ambulances and the hazardous materials unit responded to the area and blocked off North Street from U.S. 31 east to Touby Pike.
Battalion Chief Clayton Duncan said fire crews discovered the odor was coming from storage unit No. 1.
A pair of firefighters adorned in white hazardous materials jumpsuits then broke the lock on the storage unit and discovered several propane tanks with a discoloration around the fittings and other household items used in the manufacture of meth inside.
Officials said a propane tank with a fitting that has turned bluish in color is a strong indicator that the tank contains or contained anhydrous ammonia, a main ingredient in meth.
Kokomo police and state police were then called to dismantle the lab.
North Street was shut between U.S. 31 and Touby Pike while officers investigated the lab.
No arrests were made as of Thursday and the name of the person who rented the storage unit was not released. Police likely will obtain a warrant for the person’s arrest at the conclusion of the investigation.
Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com
