Woman who was left hideously disfigured after explosion at illegal meth lab is 'caught manufacturing the drug again'

A young woman who was left hideously disfigured after an explosion at an illegal meth lab has been caught manufacturing the drug again.



Heather Raybon was left permanently scarred with terrible facial burns after being caught up in a blast at a meth lab in 2004.



But police in Florida said despite the life-changing incident the 31-year-old has continued to try and manufacture crystal meth.



Before: Heather Raybon, pictured in 2003, has been arrested by police on meth charges, despite suffering massive facial injuries when a meth producing lab exploded in her face in 2004

After: Taken in 2006 after the meth, Raybon suffered permanent and extensive damage to her face which almost melted off

She was arrested after police raided a trailer in Milton, Florida, while they were attempting to serve a warrant on fugitive Brian Mauldin.



Inside the home police noticed a strong chemical smell that indicated the possible presence of meth manufacturing materials.

Deputies also saw drug paraphernalia that was left in plain view and immediately summoned detectives from the drugs unit.



Investigators who searched the residence allegedly found materials and ingredients used in manufacturing methamphetamine.



Better: Though there has been some healing since the original explosion, the effects of the meth have clearly taken their toll on Raybon's face, pictured left in 2009 when she was arrested for a traffic violation and right, after an arrest in July of this year for drugs possession



Detectives also found 13 grams of meth powder, 32 grams of meth oil and an active 'one pot' meth lab that the couple had attempted to hide.



Recent: Raybon's latest mugshot after she was again caught manufacturing meth

A small metal pill bottle was found in Raybon's purse. Its contents allegedly tested positive for meth.



Fire crews were called to the trailer home to dismantle the active lab due to the threat of fire or explosion.

Raybon and William Hindall, 30, who was inside the trailer, were arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of felony drug equipment and possession of listed chemicals to manufacture meth.



In 2004 Raybon suffered third degree facial burns after an explosion at a suspected meth lab.

She has undergone numerous facial surgeries in the last seven years.



Sgt Scott Haines from Milton Police said: 'Raybon has multiple past arrests involving methamphetamine related charges in Santa Rosa County.



'Raybon also suffered severe and disfiguring burns during a fire that occurred on December 16, 2004 in Milton.

Suspects: William Hindall, left, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of felony drug equipment, and Brian Maudlin, right, still at large, who is wanted for the manufacture of meth

'Due to the injuries and past intelligence, investigators believe that Raybon’s burns were consistent with being associated with a meth lab explosion; however Raybon was cooperative with investigators as to how the injuries occurred.'



Police are still looking for Mauldin who is wanted for the manufacture of meth.



THE DANGERS OF METH

Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant that is closely related to amphetamine. It robs the body of calcium and appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder taken orally or by snorting or injecting, or a rock 'crystal' that is heated and smoked.

Methamphetamine increases wakefulness and physical activity, produces rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Long-term use can lead to mood disturbances, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, insomnia, and severe dental problems. It is highly addictive, personality altering and can cause violent, bizarre behaviour.

Prolonged meth use can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease and type-two schizophrenia. Meth causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of meth include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat and extreme anorexia.

In 2009, 1.2 million Americans age 12 and older had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Over the years a number of pictures have been released to show the effects meth has on person (as above) to try and deter people from ever taking the drug.







