A standard probation check led to the discovery of an inactive methamphetamine lab and the arrest of seven people earlier this week in north Columbus.
Parole officers with the Mississippi Department of Corrections were performing a probation check Tuesday at 282 Dogwood Road when they discovered meth in plain view.
Agents with the Columbus-Lowndes Metro Narcotics Unit were called to the scene, and once inside the home, they confirmed the substance was crystal meth. In addition to the illegal drug, agents also found numerous syringes and other evidence of continuous drug use.
A search of the property resulted in the discovery of the lab in a wooded area behind the home. Agents uncovered a “boxed lab,” which included three burn sites and two hydrogen chloride gas generators. In addition, Ziploc bags filled with ingredients required to manufacture the drug were located in a cooler.
As a result of the raid, seven people were arrested.
Corrie Cobb, Corey Hall and Christal Roper were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
Ricky Harrison was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
Cecil Harrison and Priscilla Ayers were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine.
Dustin Hall was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Parole officers were performing the probation check for Jeffrey Murphy, who listed the Dogwood home as his residence. The home belongs to Jeffrey Murphy’s brother, John Murphy, who is currently in the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center for a May arrest of possession of methamphetamine and violation of probation. John Murphy was arrested at the home during a similar raid. He has been arrested a dozen times since 2003 on charges ranging from stalking to possession of methamphetamine.
Neighbors said a steady flow of traffic visits the home, which is located at a dead-end street in a quiet, middle class neighborhood.
The home was also wired with surveillance cameras, an added feature since John Murphy’s May arrest.
Cobb, Hall, Roper, Ricky and Cecil Harrison, Ayers and Hall are all in the custody of the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
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