Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Drug Agents Bust Tenth Meth Lab This Year
Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny Taylor said Monday that drug agents with his department’s Crime Suppression Unit busted a total of ten meth labs within the county during the month of January.
The tenth lab was discovered when drug agents, along with agents with the Saint Joseph Police Department, executed a search warrant at the 80 Five Points Road, Five Points, home of Benjamen Wesley Wayne last week.
When they initially arrived to investigate reports of drug activity at the home, Taylor reports agents detected the distinct odor of chemicals associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine.
In addition, agents report discovering numerous components used in the meth manufacturing process lying about the yard and in the trash receptacle located in the carport area.
Agents report they knocked upon the door but that their hails went unanswered. The scene was then secured and a search warrant issued by Circuit Court Judge Robert Holloway.
While executing the search warrant, agents report finding “the largest meth lab seized in 2010.” This brings the total number of meth labs dismantled by the department during January to ten. These ten required cleanup by Drug Enforcement Administration environmental services crews.
Throughout 2009 agents with the unit busted a total of 29 labs that required professional cleanup and another 15 that did not.
Taylor has issued a “thank you” to area residents for their many calls regarding possibly drug activity. He also encourages citizens to continue to report any such suspicious activity.
Officials indicate that as a result of the operation charges are pending against Wayne, however he has not yet been located. Anyone who may have information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the department at 762-3626.
Taylor reports that at the time of the operation Wayne was on probation in connection with a search conducted at the some address in September of last year.
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