Police Bust Meth Operation In Cda Large-Scale Lab, Computers Found In Raids On 4 Locations

State officials are continuing a wide-scale investigation of Kootenai County methamphetamine labs after a series of weekend busts.

Seven search warrants were served from Friday to Sunday, and at least five people have been arrested, according to the Idaho State Police.

A total of $14,000 and 15 cases of drug-making supplies were seized.

Such large-scale operations are unusual for an area where meth labs typically can only produce a few ounces of the drug and are run by people purchasing easy-to-get supplies from stores, said Wayne Longo, special agent-in-charge with the ISP.

“It’s the difference between a small mom-and-pop operation compared to a large-scale commercial one,” Longo said.

The recent busts bring the number of North Idaho meth labs found this year to 62.

Last year, law enforcement agents discovered 40 labs in the five northern counties, Longo said.

Two Coeur d’Alene homes were raided over the weekend.

Tony Parker, 36, of Portland and a 17-year-old girl from the Portland area, who both lived at 2645 City View, were arrested Friday. They were wanted for drug trafficking and drug possession charges, agents said.

During the Friday raid, three others from Portland were arrested in connection with the drug busts: Mark Gable, 39; John Harkness, 57; and Kelly Jo Ryan, 35.

Agents also seized a computer and scanner believed to be used to print fake money orders and bank checks.

That same day, agents also searched a home near Worley, Idaho, where they found an inactive meth lab and seized a video camera monitoring the 10-acre area.

No one was home. State officials said charges will be filed soon.

On Sunday, state and Coeur d’Alene police raided Ralph J. Jacobs’ home at 621 N. 16th Ave.

Officials seized 15 cases of ephedrine, which is used to make methamphetamine; a 9 mm handgun; two video surveillance cameras; and a sound monitor.

Jacobs, 34, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. More charges are pending, police said.

Also Sunday, officials searched the Hayden home of bail bondsman David Coe. Agents said they seized stolen property. They declined to elaborate, pending further investigation.

Coe, 50, who owns U&I Bail Bonds on the corner of Dalton and Government Way, is being held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Coe turned himself in on an outstanding grand theft warrant and was booked into Kootenai County Jail Tuesday night, said Coe’s attorney, Blaine Horrocks.

Horrocks said the charges are a surprise and he plans to request a hearing to lower the bail. Angie Gaddy can be reached at (208) 765-7124 or by e-mail at angieg@spokesman.com.

FAST FACT The recent busts bring the number of North Idaho meth labs found this year to 62.