Two Arrests Made in Kiowa County Meth Lab Raid
May 7, 2004
The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office, along with assistance from a member of the Powers/Lamar Police Department Drug Task Force and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), seized chemicals and equipment suspected in the manufacture of methamphetamines from a home near Nee No She Reservoir in Kiowa County Sunday evening and Monday morning.
The discovery followed service of an arrest warrant for Gerald James Bersche, 50, of Lamar and Colorado Springs for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in a Chaffee County court. At the time of the arrest, Kiowa County Sheriff Forrest Frazee, Captain Chad Ray, and Deputy Jeff LeFlore noted items that are known to be used in the production of methamphetamines, and cleared occupants from the house. A warrant was then obtained to search the home and surrounding area. The search began around 11:15 p.m. Sunday night, and revealed numerous chemicals, laboratory glassware, and equipment used to produce the drug, along with a quantity of drugs. Receipts from retail outlets across southern Colorado for large quantities of matches, iodine, alcohol, peroxide, muratic acid, and cold/allergy tablets – items typically associated with the production of methamphetamines – were also found. Evidence of all phases of methamphetamine production was found throughout the house.
Fredric Earl Cochran, 46, of Eads, a tenant at the home, was arrested at 1:45 a.m. Monday for possession of a schedule II controlled substance and unlawful manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance. Both are class 2 felonies due to a prior conviction involving dangerous drugs.
Bersche was arrested at the same time for possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class 4 felony, and unlawful manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance, a class 3 felony. Both were transported to Prowers County Jail in Lamar. Cochran was held on a $60,000 bond, and Bersche was held on a $25,000 bond.
At least one additional arrest warrant on similar charges is expected to be issued for another individual whose identity has not been released.
Throughout the day Monday, DEA officials, who were involved due to the hazardous materials involved, and Sheriff’s Office members removed drug related items, as well as shotguns, rifles, at least one handgun, and a large quantity of ammunition from the home. Weapons charges are also expected to be filed, along with charges for possession of other, unspecified, controlled substances.
Caldwell Environmental Associates of Denver was contacted to secure and remove dangerous chemicals from the scene, which were transported to Texas for disposal. Cost to remove the chemicals was projected to be between $5,000 and $7,000. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been notified to investigate chemicals found dumped on the ground at the scene.
According to Captain Ray, additional arrests are expected pending further investigation.