University professors busted cooking meth in campus chemistry lab

Sounding strangely like it could be an episode from TV’s “Breaking Bad,” two real-life chemistry professors were busted using campus facilities to make their own batches of meth.  The science center at Henderson State University (HSU) in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, had to close on October 8 after someone reported a “chemical odor,” according to KMOV.  Fearing a chemical spill, the facility remained closed until October 29 while officials investigated the source of the odor.

As it turned out, two professors from the Chemistry Department at HSU were cooking their own meth.  They have since been arrested.

Terry David Bateman, 45, and Bradley Allen Rowland, 40, both associate professors of chemistry at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, were taken into custody Friday afternoon, the sheriff’s department said in a news release. They face charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and using drug paraphernalia. ~ CNN

The two professors were placed on administrative leave beginning on October 11.  Investigations into their activities are still ongoing. HSU officials said that the university is cooperating fully with the police investigation.

While the science center was closed in October, testing of the facility revealed that traces of benzyl chloride were discovered in the chemistry labs. According to KATV in Little Rock, that chemical is used in the synthesizing of amphetamines.  The university had to employ scrubbing systems to filter the air in the building and also had to remove some windows to help increase ventilation.

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~ Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter