Conehatta man jailed on drug charge

By By William F. West / community editor
Feb. 20, 2003
DECATUR A Conehatta man remains in the Newton County Jail on $50,000 bond after being arrested on a drug charge and possession of dynamite.
Randall Butler, 27, of 422 Caney Creek Road, was charged after the sheriff's department received information he was cooking crystal methamphetamine in his residence, Sheriff Jackie Knight said.
Knight said deputies found the dynamite after obtaining a search warrant and entering Butler's residence.
Knight said Butler is charged with possession of precursors with the intent to manufacture crystal methamphetamine and with possession of explosives.
Knight said Butler's wife and child were in the house at the time of the arrest but that the wife isn't a suspect.
Knight said Butler was arrested Jan. 31 and the sheriff's department is awaiting test results from the state Crime Laboratory in Jackson before presenting the evidence to a grand jury.
Crystal methamphetamine is made of highly volatile, toxic substances melded in differing combinations. It can either be snorted or injected, or, in crystal form, smoked in a pipe.
The drug has gained popularity because it keeps users awake and feeling good for long periods of time. However, the drug can also result in hallucinations, paranoia and bizarre, aggressive and psychotic behavior.