Monday, January 3, 2011
Agents Bag Nine Meth Labs In Seven Days
Drug agents with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s 
Department were kept busy during the holiday period, dismantling some nine methamphetamine laboratories during a seven day period.
On Monday, December 27, agents were dispatched to 215 Daily Street, Summertown, to assist a Probation and Parole Officer with a home visit, when the first of the labs was discovered and seized. This operation was the only one out of nine that led to arrests.
According to a press release issued by Executive 
Officer Adam Brewer on Monday, residents Regina Bassham and Toby Byrd gave consent to allow a search of the premises.
Agents report seizing numerous precursors along with a plastic bottle that were lying at the bottom of a closet in the master bedroom. Marijuana residue, drug paraphernalia and a small amount of methamphetamine were also seized from the room. Additional items associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine were seized from the kitchen.
Brewer reports that both Byrd and Bassham denied any knowledge of the items. Both, however, were arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Jail without incident. There, both were booked under charges including promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, possession of Schedule II narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Agents discovered an abandoned meth lab inside a “rundown trailer” at 1097 North Brace Road on December 28. Mason jars, a backpack, and components associated with the manufacture of meth were seized from the location.
The following day, Wednesday, December 29, agents found themselves at work at an area on Iron City Road (Highway 227), near the county line. Two generators and a “shake bottle” were seized from this location along with various other meth components.
Later that day agents were summoned to the site of an abandoned meth lab located in a wooded area behind 61 Pine Tree Circle. Two generators and a shake bottle were also seized from this location, along with a bottle of peroxide.
Also that same day agents made their way to the intersection of Revilo and Lindsey Church Roads where an abandoned meth lab had been discovered. Shake bottles, a blender, Mason jars, two gas generators, and various other items were seized from that scene.
Friday, December 31, found agents working on an abandoned meth lab discovered behind a home on Old Florence Pulaski Road. In a field there, agents also seized shake bottles and generators, along with various other paraphernalia.
Brewer reports that later on Friday, “An agent on his way to work noticed what appeared to be components of a laboratory lying on the side of the road on Old Glendale Road in Loretto.” The agent stopped to check the location and reports finding items, including a shake bottle and two generators.
On New Year’s Day agents found themselves at an area behind 200 Rigling Road. There, agents seized three shake bottles, eleven generators, and a large amount of supplies needed to manufacture meth.
The following Day, January 2, a laboratory was discovered by an officer with the St. Joseph Police Department. Sheriff’s department drug agents made their way to the scene to assist in the operation. Agents report three generators were seized along with a shake bottle and various meth-making supplies.
Most of these busts came about as a result of tips received from concerned citizens. Agents indicate they would be unable to be as successful in their endeavor to dismantle local meth labs, were it not for the assistance of area residents.
While they urge residents to notify authorities of abandoned labs found on their properties or along roadways, Brewer warns, “If something appears to be a methamphetamine laboratory or seems suspicious, please contact the Sheriff’s Department to investigate. PLEASE DO NOT HANDLE OR ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE A METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORY.” Handling of such components can pose extreme danger to citizens and must be disposed of by an experienced, trained clean-up crew.
If you suspect you have run across a meth lab, you may place a 911 call to report the matter, or you may contact the sheriff’s department at 762-3626.
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