Deputies make meth lab bust

By Staff
Melissa Cason
HODGES – A Hodges man has been arrested after sheriff's deputies found a working methamphetamine lab at his home.
Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott said Benny "Benji" Carl Martello, 33, of 7929 Franklin 172, Hodges, was arrested Thursday evening and charged with first-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
"Mr. Martello also has a hold on him because of a probation violation warrant in Marion County," Plott said.
Plott said investigators found evidence of meth labs throughout the residence and that several grams of finished product were found in the house.
Plott said the case is still under investigation and investigators are seeking more arrests in the case.
The Marion County Drug Task Force, district attorney's office, Russellville Police Department and the Franklin County Special Response Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant.