Two Cortland residents charged with making meth

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Two Cortland residents were arrested Thursday following an investigation into meth production, state police announced Friday.

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On Thursday, the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) and the Cortland County Drug Task Force initiated a traffic stop on Squires Street as part of an investigation into methamphetamine production.

Police also executed a search warrant at an apartment at 44 Owego Street in the city of Cortland, where they found materials used to make meth, officials said.

Officers seized lab equipment including coffee filters, tubing and measuring cups, a spent "one pot" lab, reagents and solvents including Coleman lantern fuel and drain opener, precursors consisting of more than 100 pseudoephedrine pills, scales, drug packaging material, about two grams of meth, a small amount of marijuana and $1,150 in cash.

James E. Duff, 37, and Samantha B. Albanese, 33, who both lived at the apartment, were arrested and charged with third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, a class D felony, and two counts of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

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James E. Duff, 37, and Samantha B. Albanese, 33 (Photo: New York State Police)

Both were arraigned in Cortland City Court. Duff was taken to Cortland County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Albanese was released without bail.

The New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT) removed hazardous materials from the apartment during the search warrant.

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