An Omaha couple is facing a nightmare after renting out their home on Airbnb, only to discover it had been used as a meth lab. Daniel and Jocelyn Medrano had listed their house as a vacation rental over the holidays to help cover travel costs. But instead of a routine booking, their home became the site of a drug operation that left it severely damaged and unlivable.
Excited about an 11-day booking that helped fund their Florida trip, the Medranos never imagined the chaos awaiting them. According to them, the guest booked their home through Airbnb’s instant booking feature and arrived late for check-in. However, things quickly spiraled when Jocelyn noticed suspicious activity on their outdoor surveillance cameras.
The cameras showed the guest bringing additional people into the house—against Airbnb rules—and later carrying utility fans, pots, and bags of white powder in and out of the property. Alarmed, Jocelyn messaged the guest, reminding him about the no-guest policy, but the unsettling activity continued.
Neighbors soon reached out, sharing concerns about unusual behavior at the home. Fearing the worst, the Medranos called the police. The Omaha Police Department set up surveillance and eventually stopped a vehicle associated with the guests. Narcotics K-9 units confirmed the presence of drugs, leading to the arrest of three men. Authorities revealed that the group had allegedly produced over 100 pounds of methamphetamine in less than a week.
The aftermath has been devastating for the Medranos. The home was left coated in chemical dust, reeking of ammonia, with shards of meth scattered throughout. The couple discovered their bedroom and their daughter’s room had been used to dry the drugs, while the kitchen served as a cooking space.
An initial estimate for repairs exceeds $26,000, not including the cost of replacing furniture and repainting. The family is now staying with friends as they work with Airbnb and contractors to restore their home.
Airbnb has responded, removing the guest from their platform and offering support through their AirCover damage protection, which provides up to $3 million in coverage for incidents like this. In a statement, the company emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for criminal activity and their willingness to assist law enforcement with the investigation.
For the Medranos, the ordeal has been overwhelming, but they’re determined to rebuild and move forward, hoping their story serves as a cautionary tale for other hosts.
