DTF raids suspected meth lab in Leetonia

The Columbiana County Drug Task Force Monday evening broke up a one-pot meth lab on Chestnut Street.

DTF agents raided the home at 193 Chestnut St. at around 5 p.m. and spent three hours collecting items from the lab discovered in the basement, according to DTF Director Brian McLaughlin. Items recovered included the one-pot lab (commonly known as a shake-and-bake), generators and chemicals used in the production of crystal meth.

McLaughlin said that charges are pending lab results and the raid culminated an eight-month investigation of the residence initiated by tips.

Leetonia Police Chief John Soldano pointed toward his department having a full-time detective on the DTF and expressed hope that more busts in the village will be forthcoming.

"We're dedicated to having an officer on the task force and assigning one full-time has been a big, big benefit to the village," he said. "[The raid] is a true testament to that detective and the task force working together to do their very best to correct this drug problem. Leetonia is not exempt ... We're know it's (drugs) there and we know it's a major problem."