(Monday, November 29, 2010 @ approximately 4:45 pm) Investigators with the Gwinnett County Police Department Special Investigation Section received information regarding a large amount of methamphetamine being produced out of a home located at 3355 Newbury Rd. This home is located within the city limits of Norcross in Gwinnett County.

Investigators with the Gwinnett County Police Department received information regarding individuals producing a large amount of methamphetamine in a home located at 3355 Newbury Rd in Norcross. Investigators developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant for this home. Investigators executed this search warrant and discovered a methamphetamine and a large amount of crystal meth and liquid methamphetamine oil. It does not appear that anyone lived in the home and the home was being strictly used for the production of methamphetamine.

Due to the size of this lab and extremely hazardous situation, the investigators requested the assistance of Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Norcross Police Department and Gwinnett County Fire/HAZMAT to clean up the hazardous material and collect evidence.

At this time, investigators confiscated a combined total of 933 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $44,641,000. This is believed to be one of the largest methamphetamine confiscations in the United States.

Gwinnett County Police Investigators have one person in custody and charged him with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. He has been identified as 33 year old Jose Galvez-Vela of Weslaco, Texas.

Investigators are following up on several leads as to who is responsible for the production of meth from this home. Additional details on this investigation and how the probable cause was developed will not be released as it may compromise this ongoing investigation if released.