Picayune police investigators charged three suspects with drug related crimes in two separate cases.

The first case took place Thursday after investigators were notified that a suspect had stolen lithium batteries from a local retailer, according to a press release from the department.

Two suspects were stopped in their vehicle after investigators got the tip. The suspects were identified as Susan Frierson, 27, of 2404 Jackson Landing Rd., and Wesley Blackwell, 22, of 1715 U.S. 11 S. Investigation led the detectives to believe Blackwell had stolen the batteries as well as purchased pseudoephedrine from the store. Both items are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, according to the release.

A search of the vehicle also found what is believed to be marijuana. Further investigation into the matter led investigators to believe that Blackwell had obtained the precursor chemicals to trade to a friend for methamphetamine.

Frierson was charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and Blackwell was charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle and shoplifting.

The second arrest took place Friday when an investigator patrolling the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard saw Derrion Pittman, 21, of 1309 Nutter Dr. duck behind parked truck and throw a plastic baggy over a fence.

After taking Pittman into custody, investigators recovered the baggy, found to contain what was believed to be crack cocaine. Martin was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute within 1,500 feet of school or church, the release states.

According to the release, Pittman was on felony probation after he pleaded guilty to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Pittman reportedly was arrested in February 2008 and October 2006 on charges for two other sales of a controlled substances.