North Reading Man Arraigned in Connection With Alleged MDMA Drug Lab

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Lowell Navarro, 28, of North Reading, was arraigned Wednesday in Woburn District Court in connection with an alleged MDMA drug manufacturing operation that was discovered when authorities responded to a fire that had broken out at the defendant’s residence. The defendant was charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance and conspiracy to violate the drug laws.

Judge Timothy Gailey set bail at $2,000 cash. The next scheduled hearing in this case is Friday, April 14.

On February 7, 2017, at approximately 11:45 p.m., North Reading Police received calls reporting a house on fire on Travelled Way in North Reading. North Reading Police and Fire responded to the report. After the flames were extinguished, authorities discovered a small 5x3 foot room that allegedly contained a 4x2 foot glass laboratory closed case structure with a venting system attached overhead, glass cylinders and beakers, containers of various chemicals and a white powdery substance. The white powder allegedly tested positive for MDMA.

A warrant was issued for the defendant as well as a second individual believed to reside in the home, Jacob Stanish, 31, of North Reading. The defendant turned himself in to Woburn District Court today. An arraignment date has not been set for Stanish.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to this arraignment was Assistant District Attorney Andrea Kelly.