Bollinger County meth bust results in three arrests

~ Sheriff's department finds methamphetamine makings while investigating odor.

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Three men were arrested in Bollinger County and charged Tuesday for manufacturing methamphetamine out of one of their homes.

David A. Scowden, 25, of Marble Hill; Joey D. Scowden, 34, of Sikeston, Mo.; and Lyndon J. Veldhuis, 41, of Marble Hill, were all charged with felony manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

The trio was arrested Monday night when officers searched David Scowden and Veldhuis' home, 201 Third St., and found materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Bollinger County Sheriff's Department officers responded to the home in response to a report of strong chemical odors, and the primary renter of the residence allowed the officers to search the home.

When officers entered the residence, they encountered an "overwhelming odor of ether" and visible smoke, according to the affidavit.

Items found inside the home that were seized included: jars containing residue smelling of ether, a jar of red phosphorous, a jar smelling of ether and anhydrous ammonia, an acid generator with tubing and acid, a plate containing meth and a razor blade.

David Scowden and Lyndon Veldhuis were on probation or parole for meth manufacturing-related charges, according to the affidavit.

The three defendants, who were each being held in lieu of a $50,000 cash-only bond, were scheduled to appear in Bollinger County court this morning for arraignment.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127