Published: May 12, 2008 08:58 pm            

County facing surge of meth labs

PATRICKM@CULLMANTIMES.COM

Cullman County Sheriff’s investigators shut down an alleged meth lab near Blount County Friday — the latest in a recent surge of meth manufacturing cases.

Walter Daniel Skillman, 43 and Anna Lee Harper, 27, both of Arab, were arrested at the scene on Highway 231 South in the Strawberry community and charged with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance in the second degree.

Sheriff’s reports indicate, Arab Police officers contacted the sheriff’s office and stated they suspected a meth lab was located at the Cullman residence.

“Some of their police jurisdiction comes over into Cullman County,” said Sheriff Tyler Roden.

Cullman County Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) agents accompanied Arab Police officers on the case.

“Officers received probable cause to conduct a search of the residence,” Roden said. “They discovered inside the residence and outside the residence chemicals and materials that are consistent with a meth lab.”

An authorized cleanup company was called to the scene to remove the harmful chemicals.

According to the Associated Press, law enforcement agencies across Alabama have experienced a recent surge in meth labs due to a new method that allows users to make the drug quicker and easier. The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates about 135 of the new labs have been reported since October. Additional ones were found in the state that weren't reported to the federal agency.

Roden said the new cooking method, sometimes referred to as the “one pot” method, is the main reason for Cullman’s recent rash of meth labs.

“We’re averaging two (labs) a week so far this year,” Roden said. “We have already, so far this year, seized more than all of last year.”

However, Roden said the good news about the meth lab increase is his investigators are finding them.

“People are still giving us information and helping us find them,” he said.

Skillman and Harper are incarcerated at the Cullman County Detention Center on $30,000 bond each.

Unlawful manufacturing in the second degree is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

        

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