Drug lab uncovered after suspicious fire in St. Louis County; Homeowner charged
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Authorities discovered a drug lab inside a home Friday while investigating a suspicious fire in St. Louis County. The homeowner is now charged and behind bars.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Andrew Montgomery, 40, with unlawful possession, transport, manufacture, repair or sale of illegal weapon amid the investigation.
The fire broke out Friday morning at Montgomery’s home in the 12000 block of Lake Constance Drive. The St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit responded to the scene and dealt with hazardous materials.
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According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, a fire team attended to smoke inside the home and discovered “numerous vials containing unknown chemicals and substances” in the basement, along with tanks, beakers and other equipment resembling a drug lab.
Officials then began moving equipment and confirmed evidence of drug production. While removing equipment, a detective discovered a suspicious container that consisted of a pipe and externally-threaded ends caps and fuses. Investigators suspect this was a improvised explosive device.
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While searching the home, investigators also seized several guns inside the house, some homemade or home-manufactured, per court documents.
When questioned by authorities, Montgomery allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine, being in possession of firearms and using a 3D printer to manufacture firearm components, according to court documents.
Montgomery was booked into jail in St. Louis County on a $1 million bond. It’s unclear if additional charges are pending.
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