Columbia County Sheriffs Office Deputies discovered a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a southern Columbia County home. On December 30, 2009, at approximately 5:30 pm, Deputy Slade McCardle was called to 459 S.W. Jennifer Ct. to investigate a trespassing complaint.
During the investigation, Deputy McCardle learned from a witness that there was possible material inside the residence that is used to manufacture illegal narcotics. Deputy McCardle observed additional drug manufacturing material in a trash pile outside of the home. Deputy McCardle recognized the items as hazardous and notified the Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force.
Task Force Detectives determined that methamphetamine was being manufactured in the home. Task Force Detectives received a search warrant for the home and subsequently dismantled the illegal laboratory. Task Force Detectives spent several hours at the residence to ensure that the hazardous chemicals were properly contained and disposed of.
The illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine is a very hazardous operation. The chemicals used in the process are not only toxic if inhaled, but the combination of chemicals can be explosive. Task Force Detectives have received specialized training by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and are provided with specialized personal protective equipment. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office continues to be diligent in the identification of these clandestine drug operations. The cross training of the Patrol Deputies in the identification of these laboratories proved to be a success in this case.
The quick action by the witness in this case was crucial to the success of this investigation. By notifying CCSO of what he observed in the home, Deputies were able to dismantle a drug manufacturing operation and also rid the neighborhood of a hazardous situation. Cooperation between the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our community continues to be a positive working relationship; helping make Columbia County a safer place to live.
Arrested
Joseph Aron Morgan, 9/21/1977
8589 S.E. 73rd Lane, Newberry, FL
Charged with: Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Christine Louise Lewis, 7/17/1984
459 S.W. Jennifer Court, Lake City, FL
Charged with: Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
John Kebby Jr., 4/27/1977
223 S.W. Davaca Glen, Lake City, FL
Charged with: Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
