{module [22]}       When most students were leaving for Christmas vacation, two MethodistUniversity students were being arrested in Monroe, N.C for drug possession.  During the search of their car, various chemicals (which could be used as explosives or components of a mobile methamphetamine lab) were found in their trunk.

Senior Associate Dean of Students William Walker confirmed that some of the chemicals had come from the Methodist University inventory. Some of the chemicals were not from Methodist, and their origins are not known by the university.

According to an article in the Enquirer Journal, [names omitted by Methodist administration] were pulled over for driving 90 mph in a 35 mph zone.  Their car was subsequently searched, and the Union County Sheriff’s Department discovered marijuana, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a stun gun. In the trunk, the deputy also found liquid and powder chemicals.  The article reported that “the police believed the chemicals to be components of a methamphetamine lab.”

The students involved declined an interview.

“Both students have been suspended indefinitely,” said Walker. “Until this gets cleared up, they are no longer considered students here.”

Dean of Students George Blanc requested that the names be kept out of the paper. Though the students have been suspended, they have been offered a chance to return to Methodist once the situation has been cleared up.

“Both students have expressed the desire to return if they can get past the current situation,” said Blanc.

In a phone interview, Charlie Ingram, a UnionCounty crime scene investigator, said that the chemicals were tested on the scene. Ingram confirmed that a hazardous materials crew was called to assist with the sampling. However, an incident report was not available before the date of printing. Blanc said that Public Safety had an inventory of the chemicals that had been taken, however they were not available before the date of printing. The Union County Sheriff’s Department was not sure whether the chemicals were intended for use in an explosive or a methamphetamine lab.

 “There were some dangerous chemicals present, but they were not in a high enough concentration to be used as an explosive,” she said.

The situation raises the question of how the students gained access to the chemicals in the first place. The Chair of Chemistry and Physical Science, Dr. Narendra Singh said that he did not know how the students had gained access. The lock on the chemical storeroom has been changed since the incident. Also, the department is considering other security measures, such as a camera or a combination lock. Previously, all science professors had access to the stockroom. Now, only the department chairs, the laboratory coordinator and the dean of science have keys.

“Other than the last two years, I have been chair since 1992,” said Singh. “I don’t know what happened during the last two years. But when I discovered problems after taking over again, I took action.”

When the department was notified that the chemicals had been taken, an inventory was taken of the storeroom chemicals. Singh said that the most hazardous chemicals had been secured. He added that he now checks the stockroom every morning when he gets to Methodist and every evening before he leaves to make sure that it is not left open.

Public safety is currently conducting a vulnerability study of how chemicals are maintained and stored to identify other weaknesses. The study will be presented to Dean of Academics Delmas Crisp when it is completed. Blanc anticipates the study to take another two weeks.

 “We are taking rigorous steps to protect our stock, our students and our faculty,” said Singh.

At the students’ Jan. 6 court dates, they were granted a continuance. The new court date is scheduled for March 16.

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