BEREA -- A woman and two men were arrested Friday when police raided a Front Street home following a months-long investigation that the home was being used as a lab to make a controlled substance.
Police confirmed to WKYC late Friday that all three are Baldwin Wallace students.
WKYC obtained a copy of the search warrant.
The 3 students -- Max Cickovskis, 22; Benjamin Knight, 24; and Lauren Pajerski, 22 -- were all present at the home when the search warrant was served.
All three were taken into custody and will face charges. Two additional women, present at the address, were identified and released at the scene.
Friday afternoon, police released a statement:
"In May of this year, there was a breaking and entering reported at a Baldwin Wallace chemistry lab. The break-in at the lab appeared to be a planned theft targeting chemicals and lab equipment. The theft was discovered before the chemicals and equipment could be removed."
"The suspects were not located at the time of the attempted theft but during the course of the investigation, two Baldwin Wallace students were identified as having possible involvement. Over the course of the next 5 months, the Berea Police Department Detective Bureau conducted an in-depth investigation. Detective Dennis Bort was the lead investigator on the case."
"The investigation led to the identification of three Baldwin Wallace student who appeared to be actively engaged in the chemical production of illegal narcotics for distribution. This investigation culminated in a search warrant being served at 420 Front St., a rental property where all three students were residing. The property is privately owned and is not associated with the University."
''Chemicals and equipment used in the production of Ecstasy, hallucinogenic mushrooms and paraphernalia associated with the use of marijuana, were seized from the residence. Because of the presence of hazardous chemicals, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation was contacted and responded to collect and safely remove any hazardous material."
"The property will remain under the control of the Berea Police Department and BCI&I until it has been made safe and all evidence is collected.
When police raided the home, they discovered a lab and chemicals they believe were being used to create ecstasy and another controlled substance. The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation is at the home making an exact determination of what the lab was used for.
George Richard, the assistant vice president and director of University Relations released a statement following the raid:
"We're aware of the police investigation at an off-campus address, and are waiting for specific information from police today. At this point, we have confirmed the involvement of one current BW student, but do not have the other two names to be able to confirm from student records whether or not they are currently enrolled."
"We are cooperating fully with that investigation and have been told that no charges have been filed at this point. The police also have asked that we not release any names or additional information at this time. Additionally, the University¹s own judicial code involves a rigorous internal process and extends to student behavior on and off-campus."
WKYC-TV