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Adelanto house explosion caused by THC extraction lab

Explosion sends one suspect to the hospital and the second to jail.

ADELANTO, Calif. (VVNG.com) Two Adelanto men may face charges related to an explosion caused by an illegal THC extraction lab inside a home.

It happened on Friday evening, at a residence in the 10500 block of Teakwood Way in Adelanto.

Emergency crews responded to the scene after receiving reports of an explosion and fire, officials said.

Most of the home was destroyed by the explosion that caused 25-year-old Chance Jones, to sustain 2nd-degree burns to several areas on his body.

Through investigation members of the Sheriff’s Bombs/ Arson Detail discovered evidence consistent with a THC extraction lab, officials said. Butane was being utilized for the extraction process.

Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) investigators confirmed a THC lab was the cause of the explosion. “Investigators seized evidence related to the THC lab which included approximately 11 pounds of marijuana, concentrated cannabis (THC), seven assault rifles, and one hand gun,” stated the sheriff’s news release.

A second suspect inside the home, identified as Clarence Jones, 27, did not sustain any injuries and was arrested for his involvement and booked.

This investigation is ongoing and will be forwarded to the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office for a review of criminal charges. The suspects are currently charged with Manufacturing A Controlled Substance, with the possibility of additional charges after the review.

The THC extraction process is extremely dangerous and has a high potential for explosion and fire. This is primarily due to the use of highly flammable butane. This chemical extraction process is illegal and is a violation of California’s Health and Safety Code. Wax, Butane Honey Oil (BHO) and other forms of concentrated cannabis are the end product of THC extraction process. No method of THC extraction utilizing butane is safe, to include the so called “Closed Loop Process.” Butane is considered a volatile substance which vaporizes into an invisible airborne gas, and is commonly used by marijuana manufacturers to extract THC from marijuana plant material. The danger and probability of fire, explosion, severe injury and death resulting from the volatile THC extraction process serves as a reminder as to why no one should ever attempt this method and it should not be permitted or allowed in any of our communities.

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