Area minors placed in protective custody after narcotic bust

A local resident was taken into police custody during the weekend because of his alleged participation in illegal drug activities.

According to Fort Scott Police Lt. Shaun T. West, at 10:21 a.m. on Friday, August 1, local resident Robert Short was arrested for possession of drugs with the intent to manufacture. West said after Short was arrested, his house was searched, which resulted in the discovery of other drug-related items.

"Subsequent to Short's arrest, a search of his residence, 736 S. Little, was conducted by members of the Fort Scott Police Department and members of the KBI's (Kansas Bureau of Investigation) Southeast Kansas Drug Task Force," West said. "During the search, items related to the manufacture of meth were collected. In a related incident, children who live at the residence were taken into police protective custody."

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, www.kdheks.gov, methamphetamine labs are hazardous to those who operate them in addition to being hazardous to any residences located close by.

"Meth labs have the potential to contaminate drinking water supplies, soil and air, causing a great danger to nearby residences," KDHE said. "Meth labs are highly explosive and can cause health problems including respiratory illness, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness. KDHE's cleanup of meth labs is conducted to ensure the safety of the citizens of Kansas and our natural resources."

According to the KBI, those who manufacture methamphetamines often leave harmful chemicals behind for innocent bystander to come in contact with.

"Hazardous chemicals may be dumped on the ground or in nearby streams and lakes, or simply left behind. These toxic waste products can remain for a long time as residue on bathtubs, toilets or sinks. As an example, motel rooms and apartments that are used to make meth can be a health risk to the next unsuspecting tenants," KBI said.

Common signs of methamphetamine labs include: an unusually sweet or strong odor similar to either ammonia or an auto parts cleaner; blacked out or frosted windows; sporadic traffic throughout the day and night; unusual trash containing large amounts of empty anti-freeze containers, camping fuel cans, battery parts, stained coffee filters, drain cleaners and glassware, according to the KDHE.

The KBI urges anyone who thinks they may have discovered a methamphetamine lab to contact his or her local law enforcement at (620) 223-1700 or the KBI at (800) 572-7463 immediately.