DEA: Meth Superlab Discovered by Mexican Authorities
New U.S. Anti-Meth Initiatives Help Lead Mexican Law Enforcement to Massive Lab

Mexican authorities, in protective hazmat suits, prepare to enter the meth superlab.

AUG 10- (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy today announced the seizure of a large scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory discovered on August 1, 2006 by Mexican law enforcement officials in Jalisco, Mexico. The laboratory was discovered in a ranch in Tlajomulco de Zuniga, which is located just outside the city of Guadalajara. About 100 kilograms of finished methamphetamine, 3,000 liters of various solvents and chemicals, as well as four barrels of iodine were seized in the raid. Because of its size and production capability, the laboratory is classified as a “superlab.”

Four individuals were arrested at the scene of the superlab by the Jalisco Judicial Police and will be prosecuted in Mexico.

In May 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, along with Administrator Tandy outlined a comprehensive anti-meth initiative which included training for nearly 1,000 Mexican police officials on a variety of investigative enforcement and regulatory methods related to methamphetamine trafficking.

The Mexican law enforcement officers from the Jalisco Judicial Police received a week of clandestine laboratory training from DEA prior to the discovery. DEA training efforts continue with several other police precincts throughout Mexico.

“Our new anti-meth initiative with Mexico is already making a difference in our fight to combat this deadly and highly addictive drug,” said Tandy. “Through extensive training and enhanced intelligence sharing, this bi-national law enforcement working agreement should keep meth traffickers looking over their shoulders every second of the day.”

Also seized was a large hydraulic press used to finish the methamphetamine product and chemicals used to manufacture generic cough syrup.

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