Once located nearly exclusively on the West Coast, ‘meth’ has worsened and is devastating countless families, children and rural communities everyday. Meth, which is currently one of the most popular drugs in Jones County, is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in alcohol or water and can be smoked, injected or snorted.

According to Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge, “The numbers are just simply staggering in terms of methamphetamine related arrests and labs that are confiscated on a weekly basis. You may not be using meth or know of anyone who is, but that does not mean it’s not affecting your community. A meth lab can potentially operate unnoticed in any neighborhood for years; that explains why it is so important for citizens throughout Jones County to take a stand and contact the Sheriff’s Department when you become suspicious of drug trafficking or the manufacturing of drugs in your neighborhood.”

An example of a community’s efforts toward combating drugs took place on Friday, March 6 when investigators were contacted regarding unidentified individuals at 29 Sharon Moss Road who were allegedly purchasing precursors (chemicals used to manufacture meth). Investigators followed up on the information and arrived on the scene, where they came in contact with hazardous fumes that encircled a small child playing in the yard.

“It is unfortunate when you have small kids; sometimes even babies are being exposed to dangerous chemicals used to manufacture meth,” Hodge explained.

Upon entering the residence, investigators discovered an extensive clandestine methamphetamine lab in the bathroom. An elaborate electric ventilation system had been constructed in an ‘attempt’ to eliminate the odor of burning chemicals. Sabra Elaine Hudson, 33, of the 100 block of Tom Collins Road, and Linder McGee, 62, of 29 Sharon Moss Road, both Jones County residents, were arrested at McGee’s residence. Two other suspects, Kirk Beard, 38, of Laurel and Robert Hudson of the 100 block of Tom Collins Road were also arrested. Beard was discovered by investigators hiding in the house and became violent, resisting arrest. Hudson was later found hiding in a room where the clandestine lab was located. All suspects were charged with allegedly possessing methamphetamine and manufacturing methamphetamine. They were booked in the Jones County Adult Detention Center.

Information for this article provided by the Public Relations liaison of the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.