Exploding PCP Lab Sends Two Men To Prison

ATLANTA – Two metro Atlanta men have been sentenced to federal prison after their PCP lab exploded back in 2013 and burned for three days. Coleman Warnock, 46, of Powder Springs, 44, of Douglasville, were sent to jail for conspiring to manufacture and possess phencyclidine, a psychedelic controlled substance commonly known as “PCP” and “angel dust,” with intent to distribute. Their concealed drug lab was located in Fairburn, Georgia.

On July 6, 2013, while Warnock and Banks were working in the lab, some of the chemicals ignited and exploded. Over the next two days, the home that concealed the lab burned to the ground. Police recovered numerous barrels and canisters of chemicals, and protective equipment such as suits, gloves, and respiratory masks.

Federal drug authorities determined the lab was one of the largest in the country. DNA taken from some of the protective equipment matched Warnock and Banks.

Warnock was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Banks was sentenced to 20 years and two months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Both were ordered to pay $85,000 in restitution.