Drug Task Force Busts Clandestine Meth Cook, Detectives Say

St. Charles County Drug Task Force detectives said they arrested a clandestine meth cook Monday in the 1100 block of Dardenne in St. Charles.

Joseph A. Schaffner, 40, was charged Tuesday with attempting to manufacture a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. His last known address was in the 800 block of Riderwood Drive in Hazelwood.

A Drug Task Force detective said he was struck by an overwhelming chemical odor when he entered the house, and his eyes were irritated by the strong smell.

Detectives said the homeowner, a suspect in a separate drug case, had given them permission to search the home and provided a door key to the house.

The homeowner said he allowed Schaffner to stay in his house because he is homeless, and had bought pseudoephedrine for him on about 12 occasions.

They found a one-pot meth lab in a kitchen trashcan. Residue tested positive for meth. Detectives also found several meth precursor chemicals and items related to meth production.

Bail for Schaffner was set at $50,000, cash only.

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