Lane County Sheriff’s Office Detectives served a search warrant at an illegal butane hash oil operation (BHO) in the 29800blk of Kelso St. Monday morning, July 24. Authorities found extremely dangerous conditions that included the use of highly volatile chemicals within the immediate proximity of poorly constructed and unpermitted electrical work. “It’s a miracle that this lab has not exploded yet”, stated an LCSO detective that wishes to remain anonymous at this time. This lab was located in very close proximity to residences and businesses including a large lumber mill. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of an explosion of a very similar lab in the Fall Creek area in January of this year. Clandestine labs such as these pose an extreme hazard to the communities in which they operate. Misuse of hazardous chemicals not only carry the risk of explosion but poison the environment when not properly maintained and disposed. During the execution of this morning’s warrant, large quantities of BHO in various stages of processing were seized. The site also contained a large-scale psilocybin mushroom manufacturing operation. Investigators took 47-year-old Brandon Dylan Whitmer into custody for a warrant out of Linn County for Arson in the First Degree. This warrant is related to a butane hash oil lab explosion that occurred in May of 2021 in Linn County. Whitmer had also been injured in a BHO lab explosion in Eugene in August of 2021. A search warrant was also served on Whitmer’s residence in the Coburg area. Additional processed marijuana and evidence related to the manufacturing of marijuana products was discovered. Whitmer received new charges today for the illegal manufacture of marijuana products and unlawful possession of marijuana related items. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail. Lane County Land Management has been involved in the investigation and will be following up regarding the multiple code violations located at the site.
