Motel remains closed as investigation continutes

PORTALES — The Super 8 Motel in Portales remained closed Monday as police continued to investigate the presence of what appeared to be methamphetamine in the motel’s water supply.

“Our building is still closed due to all the complications,” Sean McLaughlin, a front desk clerk, said. The building has been closed since Friday, when the substance was discovered in an ice machine.

Portales City Manager Sarah Austin said Friday night officials have determined there has been no contamination to the city's water supply and that the problem was confined to the hotel.

A hotel next to the Super 8 was tested and found to be not contaminated, she said.

Police said they started investigating Friday afternoon when a motel customer reported being struck in the eye by a "piece of methamphetamine" that came out of a faucet.

Police confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, according to a police news release.

"It was later found that a large amount of methamphetamine had been introduced to the building's water system and then continued throughout the building," the release stated.

Austin said testing by New Mexico State Police on Friday night found "inconclusive" results for contamination at the motel. Police said samples had been sent Friday for further laboratory testing. Results of the laboratory testing were not available on Monday.

Portales police did not return phone calls seeking updates on Monday.