Two from Perryville arrested in meth lab bust

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Two men were arrested and charged Aug. 2 on suspicion of operating a methamphetamine lab in a Perryville apartment.

Deke A. Rivers, 25, and Billy G. Daniels, 25, both of Perryville, were charged with possession of precursor chemicals with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Both are in custody in lieu of $20,000 bond.

The charges stem from a search conducted of Rivers' apartment at 423 N. Main by the Perry County Sheriff's Department, according to an incident report filed by deputy Brian McCain.

The search was originally undertaken to look for stolen computer equipment, but instead it turned up, according to the report, a clandestine lab filled with items commonly used in the making of the drug, including ephedrine tablets, tubing, coffee filters, acid, denatured alcohol and several suspicious containers containing white powder and various liquids.

All of the items were photographed, seized and transported to the Perry County Sheriff's Department. Samples drawn from the containers were sent Tuesday to the Southeast Missouri Crime Laboratory for analysis.

Rivers allegedly admitted to purchasing the materials, and Daniels claimed he didn't really know if they were making the drug right.

"Daniels first denied any involvement with the meth lab," McCain said in the report. "Then later in the interview he admitted to giving Rivers $100 to buy pills to make meth. Daniels further stated that he mixed some of the chemicals together, but he didn't know what he was doing."

Two other individuals were arrested on suspicion of marijuana-related offenses in connection with the investigation, but they were later released and may face possible future misdemeanor charges, according to Prosecutor Thomas Hoeh.

The suspects are to appear Sept. 10 in Perry County Associate Circuit Division 6 at 9 a.m.

mwells@semissourian.com

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