Bust lands three in jail

Three people are now in custody after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of an active meth lab at a Franklin County residence.

Leslie Dewayne Cameron, 32, Hobb Ridge Road, Hartselle, was arrested on charges of first-degree manufacture of a controlled substance, second-degree manufacture of a controlled substance, trafficking methamphetamine, driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Donna Lasha Blevins, 25, 2488 Franklin 20, Spruce Pine, was arrested on charges of first-degree manufacture of a controlled substance, second-degree manufacture of a controlled substance, trafficking methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Chris Speegle, 33, 85 Lawrence 507, Moulton, was arrested and charged with first-degree manufacture of a controlled substance and trafficking methamphetamine.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, officers with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and the Russellville Police Department made a traffic stop to investigate Cameron and Blevins for purchasing precursor chemicals in three different counties with the intent of manufacturing methamphetamine.

During the traffic stop, officers discovered items used to manufacture meth along with a glass pipe and approximately a gram of methamphetamine.

Oliver said the traffic stop and arrest of Cameron and Blevins led investigators to execute a search warrant at a residence on Franklin 20 in Spruce Pine on Wednesday morning.

Officers discovered an active meth lab and approximately 40 to 50 grams of liquid methamphetamine. Other chemicals and drug paraphernalia were also discovered, Oliver said.

Speegle was arrested during the execution of the search warrant for his involvement with the meth lab.

All three defendants are being held in the Franklin County Jail.

Oliver said the investigation is still ongoing.