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Brooke Walker ReportingUtah police bust two meth labs in one day. Police found these drug labs cooking right in the middle of residential neighborhoods.
Police say meth is one of their top concerns. But even more concerning to them is the number of children who are affected by this deadly drug.
According to the Department of Child and Family Services, in 80% of the cases where kids are taken from their parents, drugs and alcohol are contributing factors. Most of those cases are meth-related.
Unfortunately, these arrests fall under that category.
Yesterday afternoon, four different agencies invaded a home near 6300 West and 3000 South. Inside they discovered more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine.
This lab was smack in the middle of a residential area, unnoticed by neighbors and in a place where children pass by every day. Police arrested the five men who were staying in the home and plan to file charges against all of them.
Later on that night, Taylorsville police arrested 44 -year-old Lisa Heaney. She was arrested for making and distributing meth.
Police later searched her home in Murray and found evidence of a second meth lab. It was similar to the first -- a multi-pound lab capable of producing several pounds of drugs each day.
Police say these labs pose a significant danger not just to those involved, but everyone who lives nearby.
Sgt. Rosie Rivera, Taylorsville Police Dept.: "We need to get rid of these meth labs. They are very dangerous and they are explosive at times."
At the Murray home, police found a child inside - an innocent victim of a dangerous habit. The child was removed from the home and as a result, that woman will also be charged with child endangerment.
Police recognize meth use in Salt Lake is on the way down, but they say it's still a significant issue and a problem they will continue to heavily pursue.
