PINEHURST — A group of Shoshone County deputies who trained for a year to form the Rapid Action Team made their first official mission together Tuesday.

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Pine Creek, leading to the discovery of a significant methamphetamine manufacturing operation.  

Alan L. Anderson, 60, was arrested Wednesday evening and is facing charges that include two felony counts of manufacturing a schedule II substance, felony trafficking methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

This was the SCSO’s first meth lab bust in several years.

“We were able to gain intel in multiple ways, but ultimately we had a deputy go check out the home where he reported a strong stench of acetone, along with several other contributing factors, and we were able to obtain a search warrant,” SCSO Cap. Seth Green said.  

After working with the Shoshone County Prosecutor’s Office to secure the warrant, the SCSO deployed its new Rapid Action Team to execute the warrant early Tuesday.  

Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered large quantities of chemicals used to produce methamphetamine, a marijuana grow station and large amounts of methamphetamine, they said.  

According to Green, Anderson was not at the residence at the time of the search and the lab was not active, which allowed the RAT to move through the residence and surrounding property quickly and safely. 

“It’s a touchy thing,” Green said. “We have to weigh various safety factors. The odor was significantly diminished at the time we went in, but we do believe that the lab was being used that day. But the odors had diminished enough that we deemed it safe enough for us to do our search.”  

The combustible elements used to manufacture methamphetamine can cause dangerous fumes, fire accelerants and even explosions if handled improperly.  

On Wednesday morning, Green was informed that the amount of meth seized during the search was roughly 1 pound or 453.5 grams.

Deputies also discovered a high quantity of ammonium nitrate.