Suspicious Lab May Have Brewed Beer, Not Meth
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.
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