ELEVENTH DRUG LAB UNCOVERED IN PERTH

A man and a woman were charged after police seized 490 grams of
speed.

OPP drug officers have uncovered the 11th methamphetamine lab in Perth
County in less than two years. OPP officers searched a farmhouse at
4700 Perth Road 135, just outside Stratford, around 1 p.m. Tuesday,
Det. Jeff Johnstone said yesterday.

Police seized 490 grams of meth -- commonly called by its street name
speed -- worth about $39,200.

A 32-year-old man and 30-year-old woman are charged with production of
a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the
purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.

OPP officers specially trained to dismantle meth labs were on scene,
along with Health Canada officials, Perth East firefighters and Perth
County paramedics.

Police said they are uncovering more meth labs in the area, commonly
know among police as a hotbed for the dangerous labs. Meth is made
using hazardous chemicals readily available in hardware or farm
stores, such as sulphuric acid, lithium and anhydrous ammonia.

"In 10 years, I've never seen this type of activity happening. We've
never come across these type of labs before," said Johnstone, adding
they're sophisticated. "They're just popping up more and more."

He said organized crime isn't a reason for the sudden surge in labs.
"These are people that to some degree are users," Johnstone said.

The danger of meth labs was demonstrated earlier this year when one
exploded at a Milverton home, seriously injuring a father and son.

Alex Siegner, 49, and Cory Siegner, 21, were charged with possession
of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and
production of a controlled substance.