Two Stoddard County men arrested on meth-related charges in Scott County

BENTON, Mo. -- Drug charges were filed against two Bell City, Mo., men Monday, after a weekend search of their vehicle and residence turned up key components in manufacturing methamphetamine, according to a news release from the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

Ricky H. Foster, 44, and Shawn Thompson, 37, are charged with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine. Thompson is also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

In the news release, Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said the arrests are the result of a joint investigation between Scott County, the Oran Police Department and the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department.

Ricky Foster

Walter said that Oran Police Chief Steve Shoemaker had information that Foster and Thompson attempted to purchase pseudoephedrine Friday and several times prior at a local business. Shoemaker stopped the vehicle and with assistance from Scott County deputies, searched the vehicle and discovered methamphetamine precursors and a substance that tested positive at the scene for methamphetamine.

Searching Thompson's residence in Bell City, investigators founds other items associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine, the sheriff's office reported.

Both remained in custody of the Scott County Sheriff's Department Monday morning.

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