CLANDESTINE METHAMPHETAMINE LAB BUSTED IN CHEROKEE COUNTY

Susan Russell

Dustin Whitener

Kristain Watson

Mitchell Hughes

Murphy, NC— On Thursday March 17, 2011 Narcotics Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office seized a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at 154 Dinkins Creek Road in the Hanging Dog Community of Cherokee County North Carolina.

In connection with the seizure of the lab, Cherokee County Narcotics Investigators arrested Mitchell Leon Hughes, 36 of Farner, Tennessee, for possession and manufacture of methamphetamine. Kristain Taylor Watson, 18 of Murphy was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.  Dustin Alan Whitener, 24 of Murphy, was arrested for exceeding the pseudoephedrine purchase limits, and Susan McAfee Russell, 49 of Murphy, was arrested for possession of a precursor chemical with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

Hughes was confined in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $70,000.00 secure bond. Whitener is currently being held on a $15000.00 secure bond in the Cherokee County Detention Center. Russell is currently being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $15,000.00 secure bond.  Watson was set a bond of $3000 secured and was released on Friday March 18, 2011.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Special Response Team. Hazardous Materials Cleanup response services were provided by Advanced Environmental Options of Greenville, South Carolina.

Hughes was arrested previously in October of 2010 for the manufacture of methamphetamine and trafficking in methamphetamine.

CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB TAKEN DOWN IN CHEROKEE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA

Murphy, NC— On Thursday March 10^TH, 2011 a joint investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the  North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Special Response Team discovered and seized a clandestine methamphetamine lab in the Culberson area of Cherokee County. Law enforcement officers were at the residence executing a search warrant for suspected drug activity when the discovery of the lab was made.

Due to environmental health hazards the site was cleaned by Advanced Environmental Options of Spartanburg South Carolina which was paid for by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assisting in the operation was the Culberson Fire Department.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

OPERATION MEDICINE DROP

Murphy, NC— On Saturday March 26, 2011 Cherokee County Law Enforcement Agencies will operate three sites where residents can drop off unwanted, outdated or unused prescription medication. These locations will be staffed by law enforcement officers and will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The three locations are:

1. Ranger Volunteer Fire Department
2. Murphy Volunteer Fire Department
3. Valleytown Rural Fire Department

The week of March 20-26 is National Poison Prevention Week. Narcotics and Prescription drugs account for approximately 77% of all unintentional poisoning deaths. Unintentional poisonings are the second leading cause of injury in North Carolina. Nonfatal poisonings are especially common in young children under the age of five.

Operation Medicine Drop is a cooperative effort of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Andrews Police Department and Murphy Police Department. Cherokee County’s Law Enforcement agencies are partnering with Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Cherokee County in sponsoring Operation Medicine Drop in Cherokee County. Questions can be directed to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 828-837-2589.

Latest Booking Report.

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