Matthew Leshinsky: Long Island scientist's 'Breaking Bad'-style meth lab busted after he reports break-in
LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: A scientist from Long Island has admitted to running a methamphetamine lab reminiscent of the popular TV series 'Breaking Bad'.
The clandestine operation came to light when Matthew Leshinsky, 23, unintentionally alerted authorities by calling 911 on June 7 to report a break-in at Quantitative Laboratories LLC, his purported Ronkonkoma establishment, as per Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Police stumble upon illicit drug lab
Suffolk County police responded to the scene and discovered broken glass at the lab's entrance, leading them to uncover a sophisticated meth production facility.
The lab, initially believed to be a legitimate business, was found to be manufacturing methamphetamine and other controlled substances, including the hallucinogenic dimethyltryptamine.
Authorities seize numerous dangerous substances in meth lab bust
Authorities seized more than 100 items of lab equipment, chemical reagents, and solvents associated with meth production.
The haul also included over three ounces of meth, 625,000 milligrams of pure ketamine, and 20 plastic jugs of Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a substance similar to the infamous "date rape drug" GHB. A substantial sum of $40,000 was also confiscated.
“This defendant was operating a ‘Breaking Bad’-style drug lab and tried to conceal it under the guise of a legitimate business,” said Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney in reference to the fictional television series portraying a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer
“I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department officers who keenly identified evidence of a clandestine drug lab during their initial response to the scene, as well as our prosecutors and other members of law enforcement for their collaborative efforts to further investigate this defendant and hold him accountable for the deadly drugs he put out onto the streets of Suffolk County."
Scientist pleads guilty to running meth lab
Leshinsky, who claimed on LinkedIn that Quantitative Laboratories LLC analyzes cannabis, confessed to manufacturing the potent drugs.
Despite his admission, his lawyer, David Besso, portrayed his client as a "brilliant" scientist examining drug addiction for the "public good" and denied allegations of meth sales from the lab, reported Newsday.
While Leshinsky had applied for a Department of Environmental Conservation license, he lacked the correct certification when arrested.
The Farmingville resident pleaded guilty to 13 charges related to the case, including criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful manufacture of meth. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20.
