Mishawaka police find meth lab

November 12, 2008

MISHAWAKA -- Neighbors watched with curiosity Tuesday as police officers and technicians, some dressed in biohazard suits, searched through the site of an in-home meth lab. Police say a tip led officers to the home, at the corner of West 5th and Smith streets, about 2 a.m. Tuesday, and the meth lab was uncovered. Neighbors said there were at least two people living inside the home, but police released no information about possible arrests. According to officers at the scene, police arrived at the home and found evidence of the lab, prompting a call to the Indiana State Police and their meth lab technicians. Last week, an in-home meth lab was found on South Bend's south side. Marie and Michelle Stancoti, 35-year-old twin sisters and teachers for Elkhart Community Schools, have been arrested and charged in connection with the case. Police on Tuesday said it's not known if there is a connection between the Mishawaka and South Bend meth labs, but said it was unlikely. By midafternoon, police had used crime scene tape and squad cars to secure the entire block of 5th Street, but also said that the in-home meth lab didn't appear to put any nearby residents in danger. Both Mishawaka police and the Indiana State Police are continuing to investigate the lab. Staff writer Dave Stephens: dstephens@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6209