Sheriffs Office Concludes Lengthy Meth Investigation: 71 Arrested
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendell Hall conducted a press conference this morning in reference to the results of a lengthy methamphetamine investigation that has been conducted in Santa RosaCounty. The investigation began in October 2011 after narcotics investigators began to receive increased complaints and information regarding meth activity in Santa RosaCounty. Due to this, investigators began concentrated efforts on identifying individuals who were purchasing large amounts of Pseudoephedrine. Investigators conducted surveillance at local pharmacies, and also worked closely with local pharmacies in obtaining information from them about individuals who made these large purchases over periods of time. As the investigation progressed, investigators were able to identify numerous people and groups of people that they were able to make the focus of their investigative efforts. The operation yielded the following:
71 Meth related arrests: 19 Meth Labs; 6 Meth Lab “dump” sites; 1 rolling meth lab in a vehicle; 791.4 grams of meth/meth oil with a street value of approximately $80,000.00
On 3/23/12, the Sheriff’s Office conducted a warrants sweep of 32 suspects tied to the investigation. 19 of those have been arrested. (See attached report labeled ‘Warrant Round Up Targets’: suspects with stars next to name have been arrested: ones with no stars are still being sought by law enforcement) 13 additional warrants are still pending related to the investigation. While arresting these suspects, 2 active meth labs were discovered at two different locations.
Also attached to this email are lists of all suspects arrested, along with their charges, since the investigation began. Mug shots of any arrested suspect can be found by searching the following link: http://portal.srso.net/smartweb/jail.aspx Photographs of the two meth labs discovered on 3/23/12 can be found on the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/santarosasheriff. Anyone with information concerning active meth labs is asked to contact Santa Rosa Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP (7867). Information provided through Crime Stoppers that leads to the location of an active meth lab and the arrest of a suspect WILL result in a cash reward of $500.00.
