A Detective with the DeFuniak Springs Police uncovered a “rolling meth lab” during a routine investigation at the corner of 25th Street and U.S. Highway 90 West.
The Detective was approached on Monday, August 6th at approximately 12:30 PM by a concerned citizen. It was reported that a white male was asking to purchase pseudoephedrine and wanted the citizen to purchase it from a local drug store. The citizen was unfamiliar with the person and was concerned that it was going to be used to make methamphetamine. The Detective made contact with the suspect at a green car, later identified as Jeffery Darrell Chadwick, 08/26/1978. A large bag of suspicious chemicals was observed near the vehicle. Chadwick advised that the chemicals were being used to make “meth.” Chadwick then turned over a needle and syringe which he said he used to “shoot-up” with. Chadwick was detained for further investigation.
Further investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, Victoria L. White, 08/19/1978, and a passenger, John Lamar Graham, 03/07/1989, were aware of the chemicals. A search revealed two plastic soda containers that were being used actively to produce methamphetamine. White advised that the bottles belonged to Chadwick and that he had been riding in the car next to them.
A one year old infant was found lying near the bottles inside the vehicle. The infant appeared to be unharmed, but could have been seriously injured if the bottles had ruptured. The infant was taken into custody by the Department of Children and Families, pending placement with a family member.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to assist in the active lab removal. Investigators, trained in clandestine lab removal, responded to assist in safely containing the chemicals and preservation of evidence. Due to the nature and active state of the chemicals, a hazardous materials clean-up crew was contacted for removal and disposal.
DeFuniak Springs Police arrested and charged Chadwick, White, and Graham with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Child Abuse. All 3 suspects were transported to the Walton County Department of Corrections and booked on these charges. A bond has not been set.
Photo(s) of the scene may be downloaded at: http://www.bluemelon.com/dfspolice/