Local authorities here in the Central FL area continue to crackdown on meth labs. But a recent case proves that sometimes the police don’t even need to target a meth lab to get the job done.
Three people were arrested after one of them accidentally called 911. When deputies arrived they discovered an active meth lab. The person who called the police from that house apparently never intended to contact the authorities. The police dispatcher could hear voices in the background on the other end. These voices were discussing drugs and a bubbling sound could be heard as well. The dispatcher left the phone line open for nearly a half-hour and continued to listen in on the conversation and relay what she was hearing to the deputies.
The police then used cell phone location data and deputies were dispatched to the suspects home. They heard voices coming from a shed in the backyard. They then found meth-making materials, as smoke billowed out of the shed. Deputies secured the three occupants and removed them from the shed for safety reasons while the Sheriff’s Office’s Clandestine Laboratory Response Team was dispatched to the scene to dismantle the meth lab. Narcotics agents also were dispatched to assist in the investigation.
They discovered coffee filters, a butane torch, batteries, drain opener, plastic tubing, hypodermic needles, lithium strips, lighter fluid, plastic bags and numerous plastic bottles containing a white substance. All three suspects were charged with the manufacture of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell or deliver. Those are both felony offenses. One of suspects was charged with violating probation in connection to a prior robbery conviction.
These drug charges are severe and the evidence against them is beyond damning. Their defense team will have few options, but when you are looking at hefty fines and years in prison, you need to find something/anything to hope for. The best thing you can do, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, is hire a criminal defense attorney ASAP. One who will pursue the best outcome of your criminal case.
And of course, be careful of whom you accidentally dial.
