Monday, January 5, 2009

Drug Agents Dismantle More Meth Labs

   Work undertaken by local drug agents has resulted in the discovery and dismantling of two additional meth labs in the area, raising the total number of labs seized in the past couple of weeks to six.

   According to a press release issued through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department on Monday, a rolling meth lab was seized by agents with the department on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, in the wake of a traffic stop conducted along U.S. Highway 43 in the Leoma area.

   The press release indicates that during the stop, vehicle occupants Donald Kyle Davis and Tabitha Carol Burdick were found to be in possession of a fully operational meth lab. Drug control officials point out that Davis had been arrested just two days prior on charges that he was in possession of the components needed to manufacture meth.

   Both Davis and Burdick have been released from jail under bond.

   Also according to the press release, a six month investigation into possible illegal drug activity has yielded the arrest of 213 May Street, Lawrenceburg, residents Gerritt Neal King and Paula Kathrine King.

   The long-term investigation, authorities report, was initiated in connection with “the couple purchasing items to manufacture the drug methamphetamine.” According to the press release, “The investigation came to an end on January 2, 2009, when agents detained the couple on a traffic stop, and the stop yielded precursor chemicals used to manufacture meth.” As a result both were placed under arrest and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.

   Agents report that on the following day, Saturday, January 3, they received information from a confidential source indicating that there was a meth lab operating inside the Kings’ home. After they received consent to conduct a search, agents report finding the lab. It was subsequently processed by members of the sheriff’s department and the Lawrenceburg Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team.

   At the present time, authorities indicate that both Kings remain incarcerated on various charges regarding the production of methamphetamine.

   Agents report that a total of nine meth labs were seized inside Lawrence County during the 2008 calendar year.

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