Anonymous call leads to precursor arrest

Local News

October 20, 2009

By Jeremy Pittari Picayune Item Tue Oct 20, 2009, 10:33 AM CDT

PICAYUNE — Two suspects have been charged with possession of precursor chemicals after an anonymous call led law enforcement officers to their location.

On Oct. 2, at about 2:30 a.m. the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department received a call from a member of the community that stated a car was traveling the county roads, allegedly with an active methamphetamine lab inside. After further investigation no lab was found, but the law enforcement officers did find supplies that could be used to manufacture the drug.

Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier said the description of the vehicle was dispatched over the department’s radio system. Shortly after that transmission, Sgt. Lawrence Spur spotted the vehicle, complete with no tag.

Two suspects were inside the car, Elizabeth Swaggerty, 22, 315 Third St., Pearl River, La., and Rodney S. Hamilton, 24, 108 Caroline St. During the traffic stop Spur saw a piece of tin foil in plain view with what appeared to be burn residue. With probable cause, Spur searched the vehicle and found several precursors inside the vehicle’s trunk, Saucier said. However, no lab was found.

Narcotics Detective Sherman Gaspard was called to the scene, and he found a camouflage bag that contained sulfuric acid, measuring cups, camp fuel and funnels, all items that are commonly used in the production of methamphetamine.

Both suspects were charged with possession of precursor chemicals.

A search of Swaggerty’s belongings found her in possession of 19 Klonopin pills. She was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Text Only

Local News

Inmate escapes from funeral procession
State inmate Johnny Hall, Jr., escaped from two Wilkinson County Correctional Facility officers’ custody today at approximately 12:30 p.m. while being escorted from his father’s wake at the Picayune Funeral Home in Picayune, Miss.

February 3, 2012
REPAIRING GAS LEAK
Contract and city workers were at this gas leak on Beech Street installing a clamp.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
CAMELLIA SHOW
The Poplarville Garden Club Community Camellia Show is today in the lobby of the Poplarville branch of Hancock Bank.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
Local gas prices continue a gradual upward trend
From Monday to Thursday, the per gallon price of regular gasoline at RaceTrac jumped six cents, from $3.289 to $3.349. RaceTrac sets the pace in Pearl River County for the lowest posted price, and Wal-Mart and Bill’s Quick Stop at Mississippi Highway 43 and East Canal quickly follow.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
StennisSphere closing
StennisSphere is closing it’s doors to make way for a new tourist attraction, and to help increase security at John C. Stennis Space Center. According to a press release from Stennis, the tourist attraction officially will close in mid February.

February 3, 2012
ENJOYING THE RAIN
These ducks weren’t phased by Wednesday’s rainy conditions.

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
Picayune featured in “Blondie” comic strip
Occupy Picayune?
All Mr. Dithers wants to see occupied is Dagwood’s desk chair.
That is part of the adventures of Dagwood Bumstead, which includes a mention of the City of Picayune in Friday’s “Blondie” comic strip, which appears in the Picayune Item as a daily feature.
Picayune’s mention in Friday’s strip that also is released in other publications gives Picayune a name recognition boost worldwide, says the artist who draws the feature, Frank Cummings, a former Picayune resident and former employee of the Picayune Item.

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
Man charged with burglaries
A Picayune man is facing multiple burglary charges for allegedly stealing copper and other metal items from homes, businesses and a church.
Charged is 22-year-old Wyatte Mitchell of 206 W. Sycamore Rd., said Capt. Chad Dorn with the Picayune Police Department.

February 2, 2012
STREET WORK
Motorists wanting to turn down Fifth Avenue at its intersection with U.S. Hwy. 11 are having to detour as the turn lane was blocked on Tuesday as city work crews repaired the street.

February 1, 2012 1 Photo
DOWN, DOWN, DOWN
Demolition of the A.L. Franklin Annex is complete. The work took about a week and was at this point on Friday. The demolition makes way for an addition to the historic city hall.

February 1, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Anonymous call leads to precursor arrest

Site Map

Contact Us