An explosion in a Murrieta home today led to the discovery of a suspected drug lab where so-called "honey oil" was being converted from marijuana plants.
No one was injured in the 6:40 a.m. blast in the area of Banyan Street and Torrey Pines Road, according to Murrieta police.
Sgt. Dave Baca told City News Service that firefighters encountered no fire at the residence but did find several back windows blown out.
"We think it was probably a butane explosion of some kind," Baca said.
"There were numerous marijuana plants inside the house, and it appears someone was making honey oil."
The process of developing concentrated cannabis involves extracting oil from marijuana plants using butane, which can be explosive and has been blamed for residential fires throughout Riverside County. Honey oil is also known as "wax" and hashish.
According to Baca, the Murrieta Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team was called to clean up the property and determine if there were additional threats to public safety.
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No streets were closed, and none of the neighboring homes were evacuated.
Authorities' investigation determined that the explosion occurred whent he honey oil was placed in the man's refridgerator to be cooled.
The owner of the home, Jason Delvecchio, 34, was arrested for illegal manugacture of drugs, narcotics or controlled substances, possession of marijuana for sales, and arson, according to Murrieta police.
Detectives found 226 grams of honey oil worth approximately $9,000 in the home, and discovered 7,389 grams of marijuana they believe is worth over $180,000. A shotgun was also found in Delvecchio's home.
Police said an additional charge of felon in the possession of a firearm would be filed with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office. He was booked at the Southwest Detention Center.
