Staff Writer

Oct. 16, 2000 10 PM

The 12th Judicial Drug Task Force has put another methamphetamine lab out of operation.

A search warrant served on a Smith Street residence in Troy on Oct. 12 uncovered a clandestine methamphetamine lab operation.

When officers with the Drug Task Force entered the residence, they found crystal methamphetamine on the stove and a large amount of methamphetamine oil.

Four suspects were arrested at the scene when the search warrant was executed. A Drug Task Force representative advised the identities of the suspects are not being released due to pending investigation by the unit.

Along with representatives from the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and the Troy Police Department, the Task Force was assisted by the Department of Forensic Sciences and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"We’ve seen an increase in demand, use and manufacturing of crystal meth within our area," Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas said.

He added, the Drug Task Force’s concern about the use of methamphetamines is evident by the recent cases made.

Thomas said part of the concern is the danger of, not only the use of the drug, but in the manufacturing of it.

"We’re going to do our part to combat the problem," Thomas said. "Right now, it appears to be a very popular drug."

In talking with other law enforcement officers, Thomas has learned Pike County is not alone and a large number of methamphetamine labs have been put out of operation in the six-county area in the past six months.

Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage said the abuse and illegal use of methamphetamine is a growing trend becoming a big problem in cities the size of Troy, as well as other cities across the nation.

In Troy, three methamphetamine labs have been detected and arrests of several suspects made.

"We need to educate our young people and our community in the prevention aspect of this drug so we will not fall victim to it or those who use it," Everage said.

He said the Troy Police Department is committed to fighting the problem "with every possible resource available and putting the individuals operating these labs out of business and in jail."

One of those resources, Everage said, is the 12th Judicial Drug Task Force and the "excellent working relationship" the department has with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to representatives from the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Troy Police Department, the 12th Judicial Drug Task Force is made up of officers from the Enterprise Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and Elba Police Department.