PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN 6) — A fully operational and “active” drug lab prompted the voluntary evacuation of several homes in the Centennial neighborhood early Monday morning.
Agents assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and officers with the Portland Police Bureau’s Drugs and Vice Division, executed the search warrant Monday around 6:30 a.m. at a home in the 14100 block of Southeast Bush Street.
DEA spokesperson Jodie Underwood said agents found an “active MDMA lab” inside the residence. Out of an abundance of caution, Underwood said, several neighbors were told about the situation and were told they could evacuate if they desired. There were no mandatory evacuations.
Ilya Burlay, 20, was taken into custody. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on one count each of manufacturing , delivery and possession of MDMA, officials said.
Portland Fire and the Oregon State Fire Marshal Region 6 HAZMAT team responded to the scene. Several people were wearing body-length protective suits with breathing tanks. The officers’ gloves and boots had been wrapped with yellow tape to prevent any potential hazardous material from entering.
Officials would not comment on the type of materials or chemicals found inside the home.
Underwood said that the lab found inside the residence was being used to produce MDMA. According to the DEA, MDMA “acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an energizing effect, distortions in time and perception and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences.” In high doses, MDA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, the DEA reports.
MDMA is often called “Adam,” “E,” “Ecstasy,” “X,” and “XTC,” according to the DEA.