Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Kosciusko County's first known methamphetamine laboratory was seized Sunday after an investigation initiated Saturday by the Nappanee Police Department. Two men were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Gary L. Miller, 45, of 1948 Husky Trail, Warsaw, is being held in the Elkhart County Jail on charges resulting from an alleged shoplifting incident in Nappanee. When Miller's car was impounded, Nappanee police reportedly found several items used for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Using information from NPD, along with an additional investigation, the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team obtained a search warrant for Miller's residence.
During execution of the search warrant, police reportedly found a working methamphetamine lab in a shed on the property.
Arrested there was Joey A. Patton, 33, of Warsaw, who is preliminarily charged with assisting in production of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. He is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on $20,000 bond.
Miller is expected to be charged locally with dealing in methamphetamine.
Additional charges related to the alleged intent to manufacture are pending.
The Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team removed the hazardous chemicals used in the manufacturing process from the property.
Also assisting at the scene were officers from the Warsaw Police Department and the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
Anyone who suspects a methamphetamine lab is being run in their neighborhood or that other illegal drug activity is taking place is asked to call the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team at 372-2494 or the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department at 267-5667.
