An explosion which sent a suspected drug manufacturer to the hospital, brought investigators to his meth lab in Somerset County, according to state police.
Zachary Maust, 33, of Berlin Township, allegedly was in his father’s garage in Brothersvalley Township on May 18, making meth using the “one-pot method,” which involves shaking the ingredients together in a sealed container — such as a soda bottle — to create a chemical reaction.
The container exploded, catching Maust on fire, according to police.
He was treated for his burns at UPMC Somerset and UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh.
When investigators searched Maust’s home they found 97 suspected one-pot containers and a variety of chemicals and paraphernalia used in meth manufacture, according to police.
Police charged Maust with 97 counts of operating a meth lab and one count each of possessing ephedrine, manufacture of a controlled substance, risking catastrophe, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing a precursor substance with intent to unlawfully manufacture and recklessly endangering another person.
He is in the Somerset County Jail on $20,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing before District Judge Douglas Bell is scheduled for June 6.
