Opinion ID: 700502
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Count II: Manufacture of Methamphetamine

Text: 17 As to Count II, the government had to prove that Basinger (1) knowingly or intentionally (2) manufactured methamphetamine. 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841(a)(1). We hold that the evidence was sufficient to allow the jury to conclude that Basinger manufactured the methamphetamine found in the shed. We discuss the two elements of this offense in reverse order. 18 First, there is sufficient evidence from which the jury could find that methamphetamine was manufactured at the site. Law enforcement personnel found traces of methamphetamine in various flasks and containers, empty containers of ephedrine (a precursor chemical), an acetone wash solution containing detectable amounts of methamphetamine, and other paraphernalia used in the manufacture of methamphetamine (e.g., separation flasks, litmus paper, a heating plate, and filters). See United States v. Calabrese, 825 F.2d 1342, 1345, 1348 (9th Cir.1987) (finding sufficient evidence to support conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine based largely on equipment containing trace amounts of methamphetamine seized on the defendant's premises). 19 Second, there is sufficient evidence from which the jury could infer that Basinger had the knowledge or intention to manufacture the methamphetamine. Neighbors testified that Basinger was the only person they had seen or heard on the property from late November to late December 1992. They saw and heard him at night when the shed was brightly lit. Detective Sergeant Baldwin testified that methamphetamine is commonly manufactured at night when there are fewer people around who might detect the distinctive odor. Electric bills confirmed an abnormally high energy use at the property during the two months Basinger was on the property. Although Basinger was not on the property when the lab was discovered, the U-Haul trailer rented in his name was on the property and there is evidence that he returned to the property after the lab had been searched and dismantled. There was evidence that Basinger had been in the secured section of the shed where the lab was found. McDonald testified that Basinger apparently did not want others entering the shed. Basinger previously had been in possession of red phosphorous. 20 This court has previously found that various factors present in this case are helpful to establish sufficient proof under section 841(a)(1). See, e.g., Lennick, 18 F.3d at 820 (electric bill indicative of marijuana growing at defendant's house); United States v. Peacock, 761 F.2d 1313, 1315-16 (9th Cir.) (defendant's connection to a rented truck seen near site helped connect defendant to methamphetamine lab), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 847, 106 S.Ct. 139, 88 L.Ed.2d 114 (1985).