Illegal Lab Found Near Marcola

A search warrant served last Tuesday at a rural property north of Marcola led to the discovery of what the Lane County Sheriff’s Office identified as an illegal butane hash oil extraction lab.

After a yearlong investigation, deputies and detectives searched a residence in the 95100 block of Hazel Lane and connected a 51-year-old Marcola-area man to the operation of the undercover lab. Authorities said multiple illegal labs were also found in outbuildings on the property.

Butane hash oil, or BHO, is a highly concentrated cannabis extract. Homemade BHO extraction is illegal in Oregon. It has been linked to fires and explosions because flammable chemicals and pressurized systems are used in the process.

“These types of labs can be extremely hazardous when operated illegally and have resulted in explosions and fires in Lane County over the past several years,” sheriff’s office spokesperson Tim Wallace said.

Investigators also discovered evidence of the unlicensed manufacture of psilocybin products. Psilocybin production in Oregon is only allowed at state-licensed facilities. Home or personal production is illegal.

When hazardous wiring, chemicals and pressurized equipment were found during the search, the Mohawk Valley Rural Fire District, along with a hazardous materials team from the Eugene-Springfield Fire Department wee called to the property.

Police said James Joseph Love was already in custody at the Lane County Jail on a parole violation at the time of the search. As of Friday, no new charges had been filed. Police said additional charges related to the investigation are expected.

Lane County Land Management plans to follow up on code violations identified at the property.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation was partially funded through the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission’s Illegal Marijuana Market Grant.

The Sheriff’s Office said further information may be provided in the future. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141 and reference Case #25-5937.