SOUTH ABINGTON TWP., LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A 28-year-old South Abington Township man is accused of attempting to operate a methamphetamine lab inside a home on Parkview Drive, authorities said.
Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher identified the defendant as Alexander Jeffrey Dubas.
According to the criminal complaint, county probation officers conducting a home inspection Oct. 7 reported finding marijuana paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine precursors in Dubas’ bedroom. Investigators said Dubas later told detectives he had been attempting to make crystal methamphetamine inside the residence.
South Abington Township police, Pennsylvania State Police’s Troop R Vice Unit, county detectives and the State Police Clandestine Laboratory Emergency Response Team responded to the home.
The complaint alleges investigators seized empty pseudoephedrine blister packs and purchase receipts, containers holding chemicals, a lithium battery, a “one-pot” vessel and a grinder containing suspected crushed pseudoephedrine pills. Police also reported finding suspected methamphetamine residue, 57 Suboxone film strips, unidentified pills and drug paraphernalia.
Investigators also reported finding an unloaded 9mm Glock pistol, two loaded magazines and brass knuckles in a safe.
Dubas faces charges including attempted operation of a methamphetamine laboratory, risking catastrophe, attempted manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of precursor substances with intent to manufacture, possession with intent to deliver, reckless endangerment and possession of an offensive weapon.
The complaint alleges the suspected operation created a danger to family members in the home, law enforcement and the public because of the potential for fire, explosion or toxic fumes.
Dubas was taken to Lackawanna County Prison on an alleged probation violation. The drug-related evidence has been sent to a state police laboratory for testing.