Published: May 10, 2008 12:57 am            

Men charged in meth bust

Cullman narcotics agents placed two children in protective custody and arrested two men Thursday after they discovered what they call a meth manufacturing operation at a home in the Berlin community.

Investigators charged David Harold Firlik, 36, of County Road 1635 with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance in the first degree and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Michael Eugene Cammon, 43, of County Road 1611 was charged with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance in the second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. The two were not charged with chemical endangerment of a child because a working meth lab was not present at the time of the arrests.

According to sheriff’s reports Firlik, who was out on bond for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance at the time of his latest arrest, was related to the two children. The children were not injured during the incident.

Reports indicate Cullman County Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) agents and Alabama Department of Human Resources representatives went to Firlik’s home Thursday night after receiving a tip that a meth lab and children were present there.

“As the two agencies were following up on this report, agents with CNET determined probable cause to do a search of the residence and its outbuildings,” said Sheriff Tyler Roden. “They discovered various chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine in a shed and a storm shelter.”

Roden added that a small quantity of meth and several smoking devices were discovered as well.

This is the third instance in two weeks in which children were involved in a Cullman County meth lab investigation.

Cullman County Sheriff’s investigators arrested Kristie Marie Gilley, 31, and Donna Middleton, 30, of the Vinemont area as well as Phillip Michael Wisner, 31, of Holly Pond Tuesday after they allegedly dumped a used meth lab behind a local children’s daycare center.

Jeffery Allen Bryan, 21, and Chelsey Pruett, 19 of Baileyton were arrested on April 24 after police say a working meth lab and a 5-month-old child were discovered at their home.

Firlik and Cammon are incarcerated at the Cullman County Detention Center, each with a $1 million bond.

Unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance in the first degree is a Class A felony, punishable by up to life in prison.

        

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