Pubdate: Sun, 13 Jan 2002
Source: Southern Standard, The (TN)
Copyright: 2002 Southern Standard & The Smithville Review
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=941
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1513
Author: Duane Sherrill
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METHMINNVILLE NAME STILL FITS

The new year started off much as the last year ended as lawmen have already 
raided a pair of methamphetamine labs in 2002. "We're still after them," 
said Sheriff Jackie Matheny following the recent raids. "We lost count of 
how many labs we found last year. It seemed like we were getting one or two 
every week, almost every time we turned around there was another lab."

The first alleged lab of the year was found at the New Bildad home of 
Johnny Leslie Argo, 31. According to Matheny, deputies obtained information 
a clandestine lab was in operation at the Argo residence. When they arrived 
to investigate, they reportedly found numerous items in the home commonly 
used in the production of meth.

The items included, but were not limited to crystal iodine, muratic acid 
and jugs with tubes attached to them. Matheny said officers also found jugs 
containing layered liquid which have been sent for analysis. Normally, 
layered liquids indicate meth in its early stages of production.

The next lab was hit Thursday evening when deputies raided the Saw Mill 
Road home of Randy Eugene Davenport, 42. Much like the Argo lab, Matheny 
said officers found numerous items used in the production of meth.

Argo is charged with manufacture of meth while Davenport, in what is 
believed to be an unrelated lab, is charged with criminal attempt to 
manufacture meth.

Given the fact the meth epidemic is still in full swing, Matheny said 
lawmen ask for the public's help in identifying where the illegal product 
is being made. Anyone with any information concerning a lab is asked to 
contact investigators at 473-8738. Identities of persons giving information 
will be kept confidential.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager