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Airbnb Nightmare: Nebraska Couple’s Home Allegedly Used as Meth Lab

A Nebraska couple has reported that their family residence became the site of a methamphetamine operation, allegedly orchestrated by guests they welcomed through Airbnb.

According to WOWT, Daniel and Jocelyn Medrano’s home in Omaha suffered extensive damage after they rented it out during the holiday season. The couple now faces considerable repair costs as their property has become uninhabitable.

The Medranos, who have been renting out their house for two years to help fund their travels, were pleased when they received an 11-day booking that enabled them to afford a recent trip to Florida.

However, shortly after the guests arrived, their positive experience took a severe turn. The couple alleges that the guest converted their home into a meth lab, which culminated in a significant police operation.

An Airbnb spokesperson stated, “The reported criminal activity has no place on Airbnb, and we have removed the guest from the platform. We are supporting the impacted host, including under our Aircover host damage protection, and stand ready to assist the Omaha Police Department with their investigation.”

PEOPLE attempted to reach the Omaha Police Department for further information but did not receive a response.

As reported by WOWT, the guest who booked the rental used Airbnb’s instant booking feature and became late for their check-in time.

Using surveillance cameras, Jocelyn noticed unwanted guests entering the house, prompting her to message the primary guest about adhering to Airbnb’s guest policy.

Despite her intervention, the Medranos continued to observe alarming activities, including individuals entering and leaving their home with unusual equipment and packages.

Following concerns from neighbors, the couple contacted local authorities, which led the Omaha Police Department to establish their surveillance on the property, monitoring the situation closely.

According to Lt. Steve Fornoff, police followed the guests when they left the residence, leading to a traffic stop that resulted in a K-9 unit positively identifying narcotics.

Authorities reported that the renters had allegedly manufactured over 100 pounds of meth within a week. The three men involved were arrested on drug-related charges.

In the aftermath, the Medrano family faces a daunting recovery process. The couple disclosed that their home now contains chemical residues, a potent smell of ammonia, and visible remnants of meth production.

Daniel explained the severity of the situation, revealing that their bedrooms were used as drying stations for the crystals, with the kitchen serving as the meth-cooking site.

Repair estimates have exceeded $26,000, not accounting for furniture replacement or repainting costs, as noted by Jocelyn.

With their home unsafe to inhabit, the Medranos are currently staying with friends and working with contractors and Airbnb to initiate repairs.

To assist hosts in such dire situations, Airbnb provides a host damage protection program known as AirCover, which offers up to $3 million in protection for property and belongings that suffer damage during guest stay.

Source
people.com