Big busts by BCSO net meth lab, marijuana and cash
Posted on Wednesday, November 7, 2007
BENTONVILLE - Benton County Sheriff's Office deputies made what they described as two large-scale drug arrests in recent days.
Narcotics investigators with the Sheriff's Office and the Rogers Police Department found a large-scale methamphetamine operation at a residence off Cowface Road, according to Jared Crabtree, who heads the BCSO's narcotics unit. Investigators, who had received a tip concerning the methamphetamine operation at the location, went to the residence and were able to obtain evidence that led to a search warrant, Crabtree said.
Michael Lee Mounce, 52, was arrested for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. He is being held in the Benton County Jail pending a bond hearing.
Crabtree said a large methamphetamine lab was found at the residence.
"We don't see many labs any more, but this one was pretty good and looked as if it had been operating for a while," Crabtree said.
The lab was also unique because it used anhydrous ammonia instead of red phosphorus, which is common in most labs encountered by local law enforcement, Crabtree said. The lab actually had a separate unit that produced its own anhydrous ammonia, he said.
Crabtree said a hazardouswaste crew had to be called to the location.
Deputies also found three guns, 4 to 5 pounds of marijuana, and methamphetamine, Crabtree said.
In the other case, BCSO narcotics investigators, with the assistance of the Rogers police SWAT team, served a search warrant Saturday at a residence at 824 S. Second St.
The investigation began after BCSO narcotics investigator Travis Newell received a tip that a suspect was trafficking 50 or 60 pounds of marijuana a month into the area. Newell began an undercover and surveillance operation and was able to obtain evidence to get the search warrant.
Investigators found 12 pounds of processed and bricked marijuana with a street value of $ 1, 000 per pound and seized $ 12, 432 in cash, Crabtree said.
"(Newell ) began with very limited information and worked the case," Crabtree said. "He really did a good job."
Investigators recorded drug buys at the residence between a confidential informant and Humphrey, according to court documents.
Aaron Humphrey, 24, was arrested for delivery of a controlled substance (marijuana ), possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held in the Benton County Jail in lieu of $ 15, 000 bond.
Crabtree said the investigation may lead to other arrests in another state.
Crabtree said an asset forfeiture will be filed for authorities to seize the $ 12, 432, which can then be used to help fund future drug investigations.
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