Backpack meth labs discovered in Cedar Rapids

In what may be an emerging local phenomenon, Cedar Rapids police discovered a second backpack meth lab this week.

Officers responded around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to an apartment building at 126 32nd St. NE when management discovered the backpack during an inspection. Police said the mobile meth lab was hidden behind a washing machine in the laundry room.

"It wasn't cooking at the time," said Sgt. Cristy Hamblin, a police spokeswoman.

Six days earlier, police located another backpack meth lab in southeast Cedar Rapids. Hamblin said the two cases are the first time local police have ever noticed meth labs transported in backpacks. She said the two cases are not believed to be connected.

"These have just been two totally coincidental things," Hamblin said.

Jason A. Grulkey, 35, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested on Oct. 26 when police found him carrying a meth lab in a backpack in the 300 block of 16th Street SE. He was charged with a felony controlled substance violation and possession of precursors.

In both examples, police said the "one-pot method" - where chemicals are combined in a single container, often a 2-liter pop bottle - was used to brew the drug.

Local police have discovered several mobile meth labs in vehicles in recent years. Hamblin said people may be turning to backpacks because they don't have a vehicle or are barred from driving.

Police have not arrested anyone connected to the second backpack meth lab. Hamblin said there was no identification on the bag, but investigators continue to follow leads.