SUSPICIOUS LAB MAY HAVE BREWED BEER, NOT METH

LOS ANGELES - Fluid-filled containers found in a downtown high-rise
apartment complex last Wednesday were possibly used to make beer and did
not contain chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs, police
said Monday.

Police evacuated the 14-story Metropolitan Apartments in the 900 block of
South Flower Street and initially reported finding what was believed to be
a methamphetamine lab on the ninth floor.

But subsequent investigation determined that the containers held harmless
fluids. One was a five-gallon container filled with a cloudy substance,
possibly containing yeast.

"It was determined that whoever had that apartment was probably trying to
make beer," said LAPD Officer Eduardo Funes.

Police discovered the containers before noon last Wednesday, along with
electrical wire wrapped around furniture.

Residents were allowed to reenter the building after a bomb squad searched
the premises.