Meth Lab, Marijuana Grow Operation Seized From Corvallis Home

Indicators found at the scene suggest the lab was operative within the past few months.

(CORVALLIS) - Corvallis Police arrested a Corvallis man after a burglary investigation led officers to believe the victim was growing marijuana inside his home. Lt. Ron Noble says officers went to investigate a residential burglary complaint at 655 SE Bell Ave on Sunday. During the burglary investigation officers say they developed probable cause to believe the victim in the burglary, 39-year-old Philip Ormsby, was growing marijuana inside his home. Ormsby disclosed to the officers he was indeed growing marijuana for medicinal purposes, but did not currently possess a medical marijuana card. Noble said Ormsby gave officers a tour of a portion of his marijuana grow, where they observed approximately 50 mature and seedling marijuana plants. The amount is in excess of the amount allowed for an individual with a medical marijuana card. Oregon law currently allows an individual with a valid medical marijuana permit to possess 18 seedling plants, 6 mature plants, and 24 ounces of dried marijuana. After leaving the residence, police obtained a search warrant for Ormsby's residence and served the warrant Monday afternoon. During an initial search of the residence, Noble said officers observed growing marijuana in the garage, kitchen and in two of the three bedrooms. In the third bedroom, officers located a non-active methamphetamine lab, and chemicals associated with production of methamphetamine. Officers immediately exited the residence to avoid further exposure to dangerous substances/chemicals according to Noble. Lab safety officers from the Albany Police Department responded to the residence to assist with the identification and removal of the lab components and chemicals. The Albany Police Department team identified, sampled, and removed the components of the lab, and packaged them for disposal by a DEQ contractor. After removing the lab and chemicals, a large quantity of growing marijuana was located inside the residence. Noble says over 150 growing marijuana plants, harvested and drying marijuana, $700 cash, and manufacturing materials were located and seized. Ormsby was lodged in the Benton County Correctional Facility, and an investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this, or any illegal drug operation, is encouraged to contact the Corvallis Police Department Tip Line at (541) 766-6989. Those who need marijuana for medicinal purposes should see a doctor and pursue the legal route for marijuana growing and possession. Oregon laws have recently been modified to allow a patient to grow and possess a realistic amount of legal marijuana for treatment. Police throughout the state take the law very seriously, but they treat non-medical marijuana offenses as crimes. Spokesman for the State Attorney General Kevin Neely says that when marijuana growers exceed established legal limits, they invite a criminal element by possessing amounts that present a temptation to thieves.