for immediate release
November 26, 2002
N E W S R E L E A S E
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS BELOW
The Okaloosa County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force and the US Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) have discovered and dismantled Northwest Florida's first known
clandestine "Ecstasy" lab, as the result of a case that originated with the Fort Walton Beach
Police Department.
City Police last week arrested Kevin John Reeves,
age 31 (2-9-1971) on a charge of
Trafficking in MDMA ("Ecstacy"). After the arrest, agents of the Drug Task Force and DEA located
a well-maintained production lab for the illegal drug in a shed behind Reeves' residence at 1006 Pine
Tree Road, in the Florosa area, west of Hurlburt Field. Investigators calculate sufficient chemicals
were in stock in the shed to produce approximately 2,300 individual dosages or "hits" of
Ecstacy.
The drug, chemically known as "3,4-methylenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine," or MDMA, is most commonly found in tablet form, but is sometimes packaged in capsules or sold as a white powder. Users typically pay $20 or more for each hit. Its effects have been described as a combination of an amphetamine and hallucinogen, producing a feeling of energy, euphoria, and well-being.
The combination of chemicals used in the manufacture of MDMA is highly hazardous. Powerful explosions are always a risk in clandestine labs, and persons entering the area may be suddenly overcome by noxious fumes. Clandestine labs have become increasingly common in Northwest Florida and elsewhere as illegal drug makers set up shop in storage sheds, kitchens, bathrooms, motel rooms, and other locations.
The disposal of hazardous materials recovered from the Pine Tree Road lab will cost approximately $15,000.
Photographs of the clandestine lab may be viewed on the Internet at: www.sheriff-okaloosa.org.
CLICK ON THE PHOTOS BELOW FOR A LARGE IMAGE
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for more information contact Rick Hord, Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420