IF IT SMELLS LIKE A CAT, IT COULD BE A METH LAB

The smell of cat urine led detectives to a sophisticated methamphetamine
laboratory in Port Richmond Wednesday afternoon.

Officers from the East Detective Division noticed the smell while
investigating a missing persons case.

Phillip DeFelice, 30, of Cherry Hill, was reported missing by his parents,
who hadn't seen their son in a week. DeFelice owned an auto-dealership on
North Almond Street near East Ontario in Port Richmond.

Police went to the garage Wednesday to look for DeFelice. Upon entering the
building, they noticed a familiar odor that is often a telltale sign of
methamphetamine production - cat urine.

Chemicals used to manufacture the drug smell like cat urine.

DeFelice had rented the garage in the building for five years, said Capt.
Len Ditchkofsky of East Detectives.

And cops suspect that DeFelice was doing more than just dealing cars; he's
suspected of being involved in the drug operation.

Officials said it was the first methamphetamine lab found within
Philadelphia in the last three years.

"It was clandestinely hidden, was vented and had hoods," said Special Agent
Gary O'Hara of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

The chemicals found, O'Hara said, were removed from the building and turned
over to a hazardous waste company. His office took samples to help
detectives learn more about the operation.

Aside from chemicals, detectives also found a large quantity of guns,
including 17 handguns, six assault rifles, two rifles, four shotguns, three
machine pistols, and numerous 90-round magazine drums and a quantity of
assorted ammunition.

Detectives are still trying to find DeFelice. Anyone with information
regarding his whereabouts can call East Detectives at 215-668-3243.

If you smell cat urine near your home or business, or in buildings or
structures that seem suspicious, officials recommend you call 911. *