Police: Traffic stop leads to meth lab bust

MINER, Mo. - A routine traffic stop in Miner led to the discovery of an alleged methamphetamine lab and five arrests by Sikeston and Miner police officers.

At 8 p.m. Wednesday, Miner police officer Jason Hammontree and Lt. Stephen Chamberlain noticed a vehicle with no license plate light and initiated a traffic stop, according to Miner Police Chief Roger Moore. The driver was arrested for no operator's license and during a search "contraband was found on his person," Moore stated in a news release.

During further investigation, precursors for making methamphetamine were allegedly found in the vehicle and all three of those in the vehicle were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia (methamphetamine) and possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana. One of the passengers also had an active warrant from Dunklin County for attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, Moore said.

As of this morning, the three subjects were in custody at the Miner holding facility. Their names were being withheld pending the filing of formal charges.

The SEMO Drug Task Force, Scott County Sheriff's Department and Sikeston Department of Public Safety were notified and information led to two more arrests and the seizure of an alleged methamphetamine lab at a Sikeston motel.

Two children -- a six-month old and one just under 2 years old -- were found at the scene and taken into custody by the Division of Family Services, said Moore.

The two suspects were charged with attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and child endangerment. This morning, they were being held in the Sikeston holding facility, with their names also being withheld pending the filing of formal charges.

"It was great teamwork by all departments," said Moore.