Traffic Stop Leads to Chemicals for Methamphetamine

CONNERSVILLE, IN - On February 25, 2009, K9 Trooper Barry Bischoff was working traffic just south of the Connersville Post on State Road One around 6:10 p.m. when he passed a red Honda two door.  As the vehicle passed Bischoff's he recognized the driver as a subject known to him to be suspended.  He stopped the vehicle on county road 425 south just west of State Road One.

The driver of the Honda, Tony Alan Thomas, 37, of Rushville, was operating his car while suspended for life as a Habitual Traffic Violator.  As officers did an inventory of the vehicle before impounding it, several precursors for making methamphetamine were discovered.  Members of the State Police Clandestine Lab Team were called to the scene to remove and dispose of the dangerous chemicals.

Thomas was lodged in the Fayette County jail for Dealing Methamphetamine, Class B Felony; Possession of Two or More Precursors, Class D Felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class D Felony, and Operating as a Habitual Traffic Violator Suspended for Life, Class D Felony.

Bischoff stated "This is the second rolling lab we've found this month.  The chemicals involved are extremely dangerous as they're toxic and explosive."  Anyone with information about the manufacture of Methamphetamine is asked to call the State Police Methamphetamine Hotline at 1-800-453-4756.

Source: Indiana State Police