Ithaca, N.Y. — Cornell police are investigating after an officer discovered “materials commonly associated with the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine” on Sunday.
Around 10:30 a.m., a bystander told a Cornell police officer about a suspicious backpack with what appeared to be household chemicals on the 300 block of Maple Avenue in the town of Ithaca.
“It was determined that the backpack and contents had been used in the methamphetamine manufacturing process,” the statement, released Wednesday, said.
The New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Response Team were among the agencies that responded.
The press release added: “Materials commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine include items such as drain cleaner, fuel for lanterns or camping stoves, solvents such as ether and toluene, muriatic acid, table salt and common cold medications. Poor handling and disposal is known to cause chemical, fire and health hazards. Members of the community who observe these materials in unusual circumstances are urged to avoid moving or touching the materials and contact law enforcement immediately.”