Meth lab discovered in backpack

CHILLICOTHE - While picking up trash along the streets Tuesday morning, city service employees discovered a bag with syringes inside.

According to Chillicothe Police reports, workers could see hypodermic syringes in an open front pocket of the camouflage backpack found in an alley behind a building in the 300 block of Main Street. They notified their supervisor, who in turn contacted the police.

Officers arrived around 9 a.m., and saw the bag, partially covered in snow, with all of the pockets open and emitting a strong odor. Several bottles, syringes, and other items used to manufacture methamphetamine were also found, according to reports.

Officers trained in meth lab identification and disposal arrived and said the lab was active with “at least ‘one pot’ active.” Haz Mat crews from the Chillicothe Fire Department arrived to dispose of the materials. The incident remains under investigation while police work to identify the owner of the bag.