DEA, ATF Join Investigation Into Suspected Meth Lab Uncovered Inside Bal Harbour Condo
BAL HARBOUR (CBSMiami) – On Monday afternoon, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Miami-Dade Police Department responded to reports of a suspected meth lab at the Majestic Towers Condo in Bal Harbour.
It all started with a recently evicted tenant on the 15th floor. When management came to inspect the unit and prepare it for a new tenant, they discovered potentially hazardous materials.
Located just about a block south of the Bal Harbour shops, approximately 28 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units including the hazardous materials team showed up at the 22-story building on Collins Avenue and 96 Street.
"Extraordinary response," said Dr. Alfred Brandon, who has lived in the area for 25 years. "It's pretty bizarre – I didn't think meth labs happened [here].'
Residents from floors 14 to 16 were evacuated as a safety precaution. Miami-Dade PD's bomb squad was also called out and assisted by ATF to ensure there wouldn't be an explosion. Once that concern was addressed, MDPD's narcotics unit and DEA agents proceeded with the investigation to figure out what exactly the hazardous materials were.
The chaos and sirens brought out plenty of onlookers, including Gabriel Groisman, the mayor of Bal Harbour. Neither he nor Miami-Dade police confirmed reports of a meth lab, calling it a "clandestine lab," but confirming drugs were cooked inside.
"Someone's doing some bad things in a really good place," said Tony King, who recently moved into the neighborhood.
Marie Miller was evacuated from the 14th floor, directly below the unit.
"It's a little shocking but it could happen anywhere," said Miller. "Nothing surprises us anymore."
People evacuated from the three floors in the condo were allowed back in once the scene was cleared.
No injuries were reported.