BINTF dismantles dangerous drugs laboratory in residential area, arrest imminent

CHICO, California – The Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) located an illegal drug lab containing suspicious chemicals in the City of Chico on Tuesday, September 24th.

BINTF said they first became aware of the lab when the Chico Police Department (CPD) contacted them and explained that the property manager at 531 Pamona Avenue appeared to have found a large amount of suspicious chemicals and lab equipment in a small apartment.

BINTF arrived at the scene along with the Butte County Special Enforcement Unit, which is trained in breaking up clandestine drug labs, and said the lab appeared to be producing methamphetamine. According to BINTF, there were other substances and chemicals in the apartment that were not drug-related but could be used to make explosives.

The tenant of the apartment, 33-year-old Toren Alexandror Murray, was in hospital when police arrived. They say it's unclear whether Murray's hospitalization was related to the chemicals found in his apartment.

BINTF then requested assistance from the Chico Fire Department's Bomb Squad and Hazardous Materials Team to further investigate the laboratory and its contents. The testing of the substances and chemicals by these teams determined that there was no danger beyond that of a typical drug laboratory.

BINTF then obtained a search warrant for the apartment, which they used to search and dismantle the drug lab and remove the materials from the apartment.

The following items were removed from the laboratory:

• Chemicals, solutions and substances used in the production of both methamphetamine and dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
• Sophisticated laboratory equipment and glassware
• Almost 100 different chemicals available
• Large amounts of drug paraphernalia
• Other substances require additional testing
• “Sawed-off” shotgun
• ammunition

BINTF said the materials have been turned over to the California Department of Justice, which will be responsible for processing the chemicals and other substances seized as evidence.

The apartment where the dangerous chemicals were found was a small one-room apartment that was in close proximity to other apartments and houses. BINTF said small children lived in the apartment next to the drug lab.

It was determined that Murray was a convicted felon. BINTF said he is expected to be charged with several illegal laboratory and firearms offenses. This case remains under investigation.

“BINTF thanks both the Chico Fire Department and the Butte Interagency Bomb Squad for ensuring the safe handling of this dangerous clandestine laboratory and situation,” BINTF said.

If you have any questions or information regarding this media release, please contact Commander Michael O'Brien at 530-552-5632 or email [email protected].