Drugs, cash, weapons and vehicles seized during drug investigation in Big Springs area

Drugs, cash, weapons and vehicles were seized from a home in the Big Springs area at the conclusion of a recent investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine.

The investigation was undertaken by agents with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division along with agents with the 22nd Judicial District Drug Task Force. During the investigation agents were able to identify as a suspect, forty-six year old Paul Calvin McNeal who resides at 19 Big Springs Terrace.

Agents executed a search warrant at the residence on March 21, 2017. They report that when they approached they found McNeal inside of his vehicle with four minor children. Agents searched the vehicle and reports show that they found a metal pill container in the back passenger side floorboard where one of the children was seated. Inside they found around two grams of meth. Also found inside the vehicle were a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun and a cloth bag that contained a meth pipe

Agents then searched the home where they report finding several other weapons along with numerous items of drug paraphernalia “related to the consumption and distribution of methamphetamine.”

In addition to these items agents seized three vehicles along with $1,942 in cash that was believed to be proceeds of meth sales.

McNeal was transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center where he was booked under charges that include four counts of child abuse/neglect, theft of property, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II narcotics (meth) for the purpose of resale, and sale of a Schedule II narcotic (meth). They report that additional charges regarding the firearms may be forthcoming.

Anyone who has information regarding any illegal drug activity is urged to contact the sheriff’s department at 931-762-3626. You may contact the Criminal Investigation Division directly at 931-762-1608. In addition, tips may be submitted confidentially via the department’s Facebook page, Lawrence County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department.