By Jeremy Pittari
PICAYUNE — A deputy’s alertness to suspicious activity found an active methamphetamine lab at a local creek.
The activity was found in the area of Magee’s Creek Bridge by Deputy Daniel Quave, who noticed what he suspected to be drug related actions, said Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier.
Quave notified investigator Sherman Gaspard who arrived in plain clothes and searched the area. Gaspard observed a camp and car next to the creek. Inside the car Gaspard saw what appeared to be an active methamphetamine lab, Saucier said. A truck was also parked next to the camp and in the back of the truck was a backpack with several precursor chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, such as camp fuel, salt and lye. Also on site was a single barrel shotgun.
Deputies and investigators then made contact with the suspects in the area, who were identified as David Garrot, 40, of 64272 Nelson Rd., Pearl River, La.; Lawrence E. Allen, 31, of 231 Inside Rd.; Spencer Lee McQueen, 38, of Henleyfield Carriere; Brandon Wright, 25, of 335 Fifth St., Slidell, La.; Joseph Allen, 42, 335 Fifth St., Slidell; Jennifer Marcotte, 38, of 205 Bryan Dr., Slidell and Andrew Guarino, 21, of 231 Inside Rd.
Saucier said all seven suspects were charged with manufacture of methamphetamine and possession of precursor chemicals.
