Explosion Leads Deputies to Discovery of Meth Lab

                                                                                                               NEWS RELEASE #: 17-007 - JANUARY 11, 2017

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested a man after an explosion at his home led deputies to the discovery of a meth lab.

Deputies responded to 3464 Fairview Drive in Sarasota around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, for reports of an explosion. When they arrived, fire department personnel informed deputies that resident Andrew Ilardi, DOB 10/31/91, revealed that the explosion was the result of various chemicals he was using to produce methamphetamine. Detectives later executed a search warrant on the home where they recovered miscellaneous chemicals and over-the-counter medications consistent with production of the drug.

Ilardi was arrested and charged with Production of Methamphetamine. He is currently in custody at the Sarasota County jail on $7,500 bond.
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