Kelsey Hammon
Daily-Times-Call
LONGMONT, Colo. — A Longmont man who was arrested Tuesday in connection to a meth lab found inside a garage told police he was creating a “healthy meth substance,” according to his arrest affidavit.
Craig William Rogers, 49, was arrested on suspicion of controlled substance possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing of a controlled substance, according to Colorado court records. Rogers was released from custody Wednesday on a $15,000 bond , according to online court records.
Longmont police were led to the lab inside a detached garage in the 1500 block of Emery Street after they received a tip Tuesday morning that included several pictures of the scene, according to the affidavit. Police have asked that the tipster’s name not be released for their protection.
After receiving the information, police began surveying the home. After Rogers left in a black pickup truck, authorities were able to initiate a traffic stop and pull him over around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Nelson Road and Barberry Drive.
When questioned by police, Rogers freely admitted that he had meth inside a pipe in the center console of the truck, according to the affidavit. He also told police, according to the affidavit, that he was making a “healthy meth substance” at his home, because there were acai berries in it. This corroborated the images of the lab that were sent to police, the affidavit said. Officers then arrested him.
Longmont police Deputy Chief Jeff Satur said investigators found a “berry-like substance” inside the lab. Satur said Wednesday there is no possible way to make meth healthy.
“No amount of meth is safe, whether it has a berry in it or not,” Satur said. “It’s a highly addictive, life-destroying drug.”