A meth lab explosion ripped through the lab of a U.S. government building, injuring a federal security officer last Saturday, according to newly released details of the incident. Police later found traces of methamphetamines and other illegal substances used in the manufacture of meth and when investigations were launched, the federal officer injured curiously resigned forthwith. Government authorities have been accused of being reluctant on their war against drugs and in some cases found to be working in cahoots with the perpetrators. Was the meth manufacturing lab part of a broader drug related structure that has now sucked in government agencies?
The explosion on July 18th happened at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) building just outside Washington D.C. The blast reportedly threw a shield 25 feet away and injured a police officer on site. Thankfully, it occurred in a room that was devoid of equipment so no research materials were damaged.
Intrigue was piqued when reports emerged that the room where the explosion occurred was not scheduled to be hosting any experiments that day. When police stepped in after the blast, they found pseudoephedrine, some drain cleaner and a meth recipe. It was clear as daylight what was happening.
Further reports by NBC Washington indicated that the police officer involved sustained severe burns on both his arms and hands, consistent with meth cooking explosions. When he resigned over the weekend following the incident, little doubt was present as to why he had done so. The real puzzle was how a meth experiment was allowed in a government building manned even on the weekend. Could the police officer have been assisted? Was someone else involved?
Local Montgomery Police Spokesperson, Paul Starks, declined to answer whether the ingredients found were being used to manufacture meth.
Congress has taken up an active role in the explosion that occurred on taxpayer funded premises. Congressman Lamar Smith of Texas, chairman Science, Space & Technology Committee said, “The fact that this explosion took place at a taxpayer-funded NIST facility, potentially endangering NIST employees, is of great concern. I am troubled by the allegations that such dangerous and illicit activity went undetected at a federal research facility.”
Smith has demanded an explanation on the incident within seven days from the commerce secretary.
NIST is a federal agency tasked to ensure responsible standard setting for measurements. While its role as the benchmark guide to proper standards and measurements is well known, its links to meth manufacturing are undocumented and consequently unauthorized. The recent explosion thus raised more questions than answers, sparking renewed interest in the U.S. government’s commitment to fighting drug related crime.
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