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HazMat Called After Meth Ingredients Found At Police Station

CHICAGO (STMW) - Chicago Police attempting to identify an unresponsive cab passenger found apparent methamphetamine ingredients inside his bag -- prompting a hazardous materials response Saturday afternoon at a North Side police station.

A cab driver arrived at the Rogers Park District police station at 6464 N. Clark St. and told police a male passenger was unresponsive in the backseat of the cab and unable to pay to fare, police said.

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Officers called paramedics and began searching the male's bag in an attempt to identify him, police said. While searching the bag, officers noticed a strange odor and drug paraphernalia.

The fire department responded and initiated a Level 1 hazardous materials response, Fire Media Affairs spokesman Will Knight said.

The drugs appeared to be ingredients used to make methamphetamines, which can be highly volatile, sources said. The Chicago Fire Department was called as a precaution, and fire personnel secured the scene.

Nobody was injured after the officers opened the backpack, police and fire officials said.

The passenger could face drug charges, but he has not been charged as of Saturday evening.

Belmont Area detectives are investigating.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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