According to Lane County Sheriff’s detectives, they have received information over the past year that James Joseph Love, 51, of Marcola, was operating an illegal drug lab as well as manufacturing psilocybin products.
These types of labs, officials said, can be highly hazardous when operated illegally and have resulted in explosions and fires over the past several years.
On Dec. 9, LCSO detectives and deputies served a search warrant at Love’s residence in the 95100 block of Hazel Lane, north of Marcola. They encountered several clandestine labs in outbuildings on the property.
Due to hazardous electrical wiring, chemicals, and pressurized systems still in operation, Mohawk Valley Rural Fire District responded. Further assistance was requested from Eugene Springfield Fire’s HAZMAT crew to ensure the safety of law enforcement.
Love already was in custody at the Lane County Jail on a parole violation. Charges related to this investigation are expected to be added.
Lane County Land Management will be following up on numerous code violations discovered during the criminal investigation.
This is an ongoing investigation. Further details might be provided at a later time.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact LCSO at 541-682-4141 and reference case #25-5937
