Federal charges is meth lab bust

WELLSVILLE , N.Y. (WIVB) - Wellsville was a quiet community, until a couple of weeks ago when authorities uncovered a suspected methamphetamine operation.

“It’s very dangerous stuff, it’s extremely dangerous,” said New York State Police Senior Investigators Walt Mackney.

It’s a case that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Buffalo is actively involved in.

“These particular defendants were using what we call the one pot method. A mix of chemicals are put together in one container,” said the DEA’s Dale Kasprzyk.

Six people, including five adults, were facing state charges that carry possible prison sentences of up to 25 years. Allegany County Prosecutors dismissed their complaints, and have turned the case over to federal prosecutors in Buffalo.

“The cases just worked out because of the way their enhancements worked federally. That doesn’t mean that’s always going to be the case. In addition, because of the amounts that were involved, it qualified for federal prosecution.”

So instead of a possible 25 years under state law, if convicted, there’s a considerable jump at the federal level.

“Up to 80 years, a big difference,” said Allegany County District Attorney Keith Slep.

Two locations in the village were raided on January 26th. One is located across the street from the police station.

Mackney said, “We have evidence of manufacturing at both locations.”

The suspected meth lab operation had been under investigation for awhile. Wellsville Police Chief Timothy Walsh says it involved multiple law enforcement agencies and help from the public.

Wellsville Police Chief Timothy Walsh said, “If we don’t work together on this, this problem could get way out of control, very rapidly, and certainly have a devastating impact on the quality of life in our community.”