Anderson – Last night, around 7 p.m. in Anderson, Pendleton Meth Suppression Troopers arrested the man believed to be responsible for the meth lab discovered on January 11th, 2013 in an abandoned home at 217 E. 15th St. in Anderson.

Arrested was Joshua D. Symon, age 23 of Anderson, preliminarily charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Class “B” Felony; Possession of the Precursors to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Class “D" Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Class "D" Felony and Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class "D" Felony.

On January 11th, in the late evening hours, troopers served a search warrant on the abandoned home at 217 E. 15th St.in Anderson. The search warrant was a result of an investigation that started on January 8th as officers checked Pseudoephedrine logs at retail stores in the Anderson area, and followed up on tips and leads that led them to the home.

When troopers entered the home they found several containers, or “pots”, in various stages of manufacture, along with the precursors to make Methamphetamine. Troopers were at the home for hours cleaning up and processing the toxic chemicals. Troopers advised there were enough of the explosive and toxic chemicals in the house that it jeopardized other homes in the neighborhood.

Signs to look for Meth manufacturing are a strong ammonia smell, or solvent smell like an auto body shop. Look for air line type rubber tubing, ether or camp fuel cans, plastic bottles, Pseudoephedrine packages, lithium battery casings, and propane tanks with a blue or green discoloration around the valve. The chemicals are highly explosive and fumes are toxic to breath and will damage internal organs.

Often times Meth Labs are found as a result of an anonymous tip from a neighbor or friend. Anyone with information about illegal drug use may call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous. The Indiana Meth Investigation System or IMIS, can also take tips on meth labs. Just go to www.meth.in.gov and click on the “Report Suspected Meth Activity” Link.