Methamphetamine lab north of Priest River

SANDPOINT — Bail was set at a quarter-million dollars for a Bonner County man charged with operating a methamphetamine lab north of Priest River.

Judge Justin Julian set Gilbert Allen Gulick's bail at $250,000 on Wednesday and appointed a public defender to represent him.

Gulick, who had been living in Troy, Mont. with a relative, told the court he is homeless and hasn't worked in the last eight years.

Gulick, 64, is charged with trafficking meth via attempted manufacturing or attempted manufacture of meth, according to the criminal complaint.

Gulick denied having any knowledge of the drug lab, court records show.

Sundance Drug Task Force agents and Deputy Prosecutor Jim Stow say the "box lab" was one of the largest meth labs discovered in the state this year. Unlike traditional clandestine drug labs, "box" labs are designed to be portable.

The alleged lab was found in a Rubbermaid storage container on Sunday, after Gulick was arrested for allegedly violating a court order barring him from contacting his wife. The storage container was found on property in the 800 block of Pup Paw Road, about six miles north of Priest River, according to court documents.

Gulick's wife sought the restraining order because he had allegedly threatened her, court document said.

Stow sought a high bail because Gulick has a prior conviction involving meth and has jumped bail in the past.