Meth lab found in Pawnee County
Several Southeast Nebraska law enforcement agencies dismantled an inactive methamphetamine lab in northern Pawnee County Wednesday.
The meth lab was found on the property of 45-year-old Ricky
Heideman, 71924 Nebraska 50, near Elk Creek, according to a press release from the Southeast Area Drug Enforcement Task Force.
Authorities called to the property around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday found stolen property as well as methamphetamine and ingredients typically used to make meth, according to the release.
Heideman, who was arrested in Lancaster County last month on suspicion of stealing copper, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of anhydrous ammonia with the intent to manufacture meth and possession of stolen property. He was lodged at the Johnson County Detention Center.
The discovery of the meth lab in Pawnee County follows the bust of a meth ring in Lincoln earlier this week.
Zac Lauenstein, an investigator with the task force, said the busts didn’t appear to be related.
The number of meth labs has decreased sharply after a 2005 state law required people to sign a ledger in pharmacies before buying drugs containing pseudoephedrine — a key ingredient of making meth.
Lauenstein said he didn’t think the recent discoveries of several meth labs pointed to a new trend in local meth production.
“I hope not anyway,” he said.
The discovery of the Pawnee County lab was part of an ongoing investigation, he said.
In addition to the Southeast Area Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Tecumseh Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Pawnee City Rescue aided in Wednesday’s investigation.
Reach Cara Pesek at 473-7361 or cpesek@journalstar.com.
The meth lab was found on the property of 45-year-old Ricky
Heideman, 71924 Nebraska 50, near Elk Creek, according to a press release from the Southeast Area Drug Enforcement Task Force.
Authorities called to the property around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday found stolen property as well as methamphetamine and ingredients typically used to make meth, according to the release.
Heideman, who was arrested in Lancaster County last month on suspicion of stealing copper, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of anhydrous ammonia with the intent to manufacture meth and possession of stolen property. He was lodged at the Johnson County Detention Center.
The discovery of the meth lab in Pawnee County follows the bust of a meth ring in Lincoln earlier this week.
Zac Lauenstein, an investigator with the task force, said the busts didn’t appear to be related.
The number of meth labs has decreased sharply after a 2005 state law required people to sign a ledger in pharmacies before buying drugs containing pseudoephedrine — a key ingredient of making meth.
Lauenstein said he didn’t think the recent discoveries of several meth labs pointed to a new trend in local meth production.
“I hope not anyway,” he said.
The discovery of the Pawnee County lab was part of an ongoing investigation, he said.
In addition to the Southeast Area Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Tecumseh Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Pawnee City Rescue aided in Wednesday’s investigation.
Reach Cara Pesek at 473-7361 or cpesek@journalstar.com.
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