Chula Vista
Chula Vista police are looking for the operator of a methamphetamine lab--with an ability to produce an estimated 10 pounds of narcotics each week worth $1 million--that was discovered by firefighters responding to a mobile home fire Thursday night, police officials said.
According to Lt. Don Partch, the Fire Department received a call at 8:05 p.m. reporting a fire at the Palm Mobile Trailer Park on 3rd Avenue.
“When the Fire Department got there, the fire had been put out by the park manager and some residents,” Partch said. Upon investigation, firefighters discovered chemicals and equipment used to produce methamphetamines. The police were notified.
Police officers spent most of the night at the scene and hauled glassware, ether and other chemicals from the residence, Partch said.
Witnesses said they saw a man running from the mobile home but could not identify him, Partch said. The whereabouts of the mobile home owner is unknown.
A dozen people in nearby mobile homes were evacuated; no injuries were reported.
“We were lucky because if the fire had continued, the place, with all that ether, could have easily exploded,” Partch said.
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