The Region - News from July 4, 1986

An investigation into the use of a restricted chemical needed to make the drug PCP led to two arrests and shut off a major supplier that could affect nationwide sales of the narcotic, authorities said. PCP, also known as “angel dust,” is an animal tranquilizer illegally used as a hallucinogen. Undercover agents, posing as illegal PCP manufacturers, bought 45 gallons of the component chemical, piperidine, in recent months during the investigation, which involved Los Angeles police, federal drug enforcement agents and the state attorney general’s office. Arrested this week were Gert Von Marschner, 45, of Pasadena, operator of a metal-plating company in Los Angeles, and Earl Hunter, 52, of Long Beach.