Stash and burn: ‘Terminator’ helps local authorities make sure drugs won’t be back

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The following excerpt is from November 16, 2017 saukvalley.com
By BOB TOMASZEWSKI btomaszewski@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5523 @TheBobMob

STERLING – Local police have a new weapon in their war on drugs, and the firepower is kinda awesome.

Sterling Police, in collaboration with the Rock Falls Police Department, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department and the county health department, are the proud owners of the “Drug Terminator” – a wood-fired incinerator on wheels that can be used to destroy prescription drugs, confiscated narcotics, old drug evidence, etc.

Drug Terminator in use

PHOTO: Basically a turbo-powered burn barrel, the wood-fueled Drug Terminator features a high-powered fan that creates a vortex of flame. Here, Sterling Deputy Police Chief Jeff Mohr uses a tray and push rod to deliver a batch into the barrel. (Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com)

The incinerator, which cost around $4,500, has a blower attachment that creates a cyclonic airflow inside, bringing the fire to between 1,200 and 1,400 degrees.

Monday, officials fired up the 55-gallon portable pyre for the first time and turned a pound of marijuana and some prescription meds into smokin’ ash.

Read the full article at saukvalley.com or download a PDF here.