Meth bust nets two arrests

PHIL CAMPBELL – Two local men are in custody after an investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department led to the discovery of several meth labs and meth-related chemicals, Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said.

Christopher Blevins, 40, 1212 McCarley Road, Phil Campbell, was arrested on charges of first-degree unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and first-degree attempted manufacture of a controlled substance.

Jeremy Motes, 35, 2738 Franklin 75, Phil Campbell, was arrested on charges of first-degree attempted manufacturing of a controlled substance, chemical endangerment of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

Motes was additionally charged with first-degree theft of property, second-degree theft of property and two counts of third-degree burglary after investigators questioned him in reference to burglaries that occurred in the East Franklin and Phil Campbell areas over the past several weeks.

According to Oliver, an on-going investigation by the department led to the execution of search warrants at both Blevins’ and Motes’ residences on Tuesday afternoon.

During the search of Motes’ residence, officers found mixed and unmixed chemicals used in manufacturing meth, Oliver said.

Oliver additionally said the search of Blevins’ residence yielded multiple meth labs, used as well as unused chemicals, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Officers also located 10 discarded meth labs on the side of the road in front of Blevins’ house.

Oliver said the case is still being investigated to locate people who might have assisted with these meth labs.

Both Blevins and Motes are being held in the Franklin County Jail without bond at this time.