Illegal Drug Lab Raided By Officers Lab Third Found In Kootenai County In A Month

For the third time in a month, state narcotics officers say they have discovered an illegal drug manufacturing lab in Kootenai County.

Prosecutors on Friday charged Michael Kapfer, 33, of Post Falls, with intent to manufacture ephedrine - a chemical used to make methamphetamine.

Kapfer also was charged with theft after authorities found three stolen cars and three stolen guns at his home, Kootenai County sheriff’s officials say.

Statewide, the number of meth cases and labs busted by police continue to rise. In 1994, three meth labs were busted in all of Idaho. In 1996 that number jumped to 44.

Earlier this month, Dallas D. Johnston Jr. was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine after narcotics officers allegedly found drugs and drug-making equipment in a State Line trailer where three children also were living.

The children’s playroom was located right next to the area where the methamphetamine was being manufactured, said Wayne Longo, supervisor of the Idaho State Criminal Investigation Bureau in Coeur d’Alene.

In February, officers arrested Tammy Knight of Coeur d’Alene after finding what they believe was a meth lab in her home just four blocks from the police department.

Many of the chemicals used to make methamphetamine can be bought in local hardware and grocery stores, Longo said. Ephedrine can be found in diet and cold medicines. Red Devil Lye and iodine also are used. Meth makers even extract chemicals from tin foil.

On Friday, Longo said his office was tipped off that Kapfer might have been making illegal drugs after a store owner noticed that Kapfer was buying a large amount of iodine.

Kapfer’s arrest was a joint project between state officers and the sheriff’s department.

On Wednesday night, sheriff’s deputies arrested Kapfer at his Post Falls home after they were tipped off that he had stolen vehicles in his possession, said sheriff’s Capt. Ben Wolfinger.

Deputies then called in state officials after confirming that there were drug-making items there.

Narcotics officers did not find methamphetamine, although they found some chemicals, glassware and tubing often used to make the drug, Longo said. It appears Kapfer was extracting ephedrine from cold and hay fever medicine to be later used to make methamphetamine, Longo said.

Fire and hazardous materials teams were called in because of the toxic chemicals used to make the drug.

“They’re putting these hazardous chemicals in their bodies,” Longo said. “It’s like taking a jump in the Love Canal.”

Kapfer is being held at the Kootenai County Jail.

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