Authorities in North Carolina say that a 50-year-old man and 38-year-old woman who were both on probation for drug offenses manufactured methamphetamine in their home. The couple was living in the basement of a relative’s home in Cleveland County according to media reports. They have both been charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell or manufacture and are being held on $100,000 bonds at the Cleveland County Detention Center.
The alleged methamphetamine lab was discovered on Polkville Road during a search conducted by probation officers and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Reports describe the drug-manufacturing operation as a one-pot meth lab. Police say that this kind of operation is not designed to supply a major drug ring and is only capable of producing enough narcotics to meet the personal needs of one or two people. Reports indicate that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was called to the scene on Nov. 16 to remove all drugs, drug-making equipment and dangerous chemicals from the basement.
The man and woman both claimed that the drugs did not belong to them when they appeared before a judge. The man went further and blamed the drugs and drug manufacturing on the woman. The family who lived upstairs told CCSO deputies that they had no idea drugs were being made in their basement. Media reports do not reveal if the family is related to the woman or the man.
Cases like this one are often resolved when one defendant cooperates with authorities and provides evidence that can be used against the other. In such situations, experienced criminal defense attorneys may encourage their clients to consider cooperation in return for reduced drug charges or a more lenient sentence.
Source: The Fayetteville Observer, Two charged with making meth in North Carolina home, Joyce Orlando, Nov. 17, 2018
