John Willoughby: reporter2@greenepublishing.com
A local meth lab, where the substance was manufactured inside of an enclosed utility trailer, is officially out of business.
The Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) took 30-year-old Jarred Ridge McCormick into custody after 10 p.m. on Friday, May 29, after agency drug task force investigators began an investigation into the manufacture of methamphetamine at a residence located on Magnolia Drive, in Lee, Fla.
Major David Harper of the MCSO reports that during the investigation, investigators observed an enclosed utility trailer in the yard, seeing a male subject standing inside the trailer through the opened side door. Investigators further observed a cloud of smoke emitting from inside of the trailer while detecting a strong chemical odor that was immediately recognized as positive indicators of an active methamphetamine “cook” substance. The subject, identified as McCormick, exited the utility trailer and was detained.
Further investigation continued as investigators donned personal protective equipment, including a respirator mask, due to toxic fumes present and the explosive nature of the chemicals used to produce methamphetamine. After carefully entering the trailer, suspicions were confirmed as investigators located an active methamphetamine cook, known as the “one pot” or “shake and bake” method, along with numerous chemicals and items commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Investigators successfully neutralized and dismantled the items, rendering the area safe. Multiple items were found inside of the enclosed utility trailer and McCormick was arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine cook substance and manufacturing methamphetamine. McCormick was transported to the Madison County Jail where he has been booked into the facility 23 times since 2010.