Columbia police investigate meth lab

By Roseann Moring

Published Nov. 30, 2007

Police officers found evidence of a methamphetamine lab on Thursday at North Garth Avenue between Business Loop 70 and Broadway, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department.

Police found less than 1 gram of crack cocaine, a complete meth lab and evidence of meth use, the release stated.

Columbia Police Department Sgt. Dan Beckman said crack cocaine is classified as a different drug than cocaine. Crack cocaine is in rock form and cocaine is in powder form.

Beckman also said less than 1 gram is a relatively small amount.

Mark A. Ball, the resident, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and attempt to manufacture methamphetamine.

A trooper from the Missouri State Highway Patrol trained in meth lab handling accompanied the Columbia Police Department during the bust.