SAN MARTIN
– The San Martin waste transfer station was shut down for
roughly 20 hours Monday through 6 a.m. this morning after
methamphetamine materials were found dumped there.
SAN MARTIN – The San Martin waste transfer station was shut down for roughly 20 hours Monday through 6 a.m. this morning after methamphetamine materials were found dumped there.
California Department of Forestry personnel were called to the Llagas Road dump around 10 a.m. Monday when an employee saw someone dispose of suspicious materials. After the CDF identified the contents as chemicals used in the production of the illegal drug methamphetamine, additional authorities including the Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement were called in.
The Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement has taken over the case. There is no word on the amount of chemicals found at the scene and it is not clear if any arrests were made. A BNE agent working on the case could not be contacted before press time.
“I don’t know the exact amount, but it did appear to be from a very large-scale meth lab,” said Battalion Chief Rob Van Wormer of the South Santa Clara County Fire District CDF. Van Wormer’s unit was first at the scene.
Van Wormer said the incident is very rare.
“Usually dumpings are done in rural areas alongside a road,” Van Wormer said.
Employees of the San Martin transfer station who were exposed to the hazardous materials were isolated for a period of time, Van Wormer said. Authorities released all of the employees, but advised them to see a physician.
