Meth lab found in man's car

PABLO — A man accused of operating a clandestine lab and possessing the precursors to dangerous drugs was arrested in Pablo, but the arrest could have happened anywhere — according to court documents, police discovered all the chemicals and equipment needed to make meth in the man’s car.

On July 4, Ronald Lee Phillips Jr. was stopped by tribal officer Casey Couture for expired vehicle registration. Court documents state that during the traffic stop Couture asked Phillips if he had any drugs in his car. Phillips allegedly replied that he did and surrendered a small amount of marijuana to the officer.

According to the case affidavit, Couture then asked Phillips for permission to search the vehicle. Phillips consented and informed the officer that he would find some of the precursors to methamphetamine.

When asked by Couture if he had a complete lab, Phillips allegedly replied “pretty g-- d--- close.”

Court documents state that after obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement officials searched the vehicle and discovered materials used to cook meth including rubber tubing and a propane tank, a hot plate, muriatic acid and pseudoephedrine.

Phillips has subsequently been charged with two felony charges; if convicted of both, he faces up to 60 years in prison and $75,000 in fines. He is currently in custody on $20,000 bail.