Child Welfare Call Results In Busted Meth Labs

Edmonson Voice Staff
Three meth labs were busted and two men were arrested on meth charges Saturday night as local law officials acted on an anonymous child welfare call on Louisville Road near Bluebird Valley.

Dispatch received the anonymous call with reports of a toddler living with adults in a residence with no electricity, water, or heat. Dispatch reported that the caller suspected drug activity at the residence as well. The Edmonson County Sheriff's office along with the KY State Police responded to 18275 B Louisville Road around 9pm on Saturday, April 9, 2016, and found a man at the back of the residence with a flashlight. The man, James M. Harper, of Smiths Grove, reportedly gave officers permission to come inside.

Officials said there was no electricity to the home so everyone was using flashlights. They also reported the very strong odor of Coleman Fuel, a key ingredient in making meth, inside the house and that Harper told the officers he was home alone. Officials asked to look around and they reported that Harper consented to a search.

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Confiscated one-step meth labs along with items used to make meth.

During a search, officials said they found several items and ingredients used to make meth along with another man, Jason Veach, who was allegedly trying to hide in a back room. 

Officers said they questioned the men about the items discovered and Veach admitted to hiding two different "one-step meth labs" under a bed. A third lab was also found in another room. Officers also found various toys, children's clothing, and a baby bed, but no child was present. 

James Harper, 33, Smiths Grove. (Hart Co. Jail)

Jason Veach, 38, Smiths Grove. (Hart Co. Jail)

Both men were arrested and charged with Manufacturing Meth-1st offense and Unlawful Possession of Meth Pre Cursor- 1st offense. 

"What started out to be a concerned caller for the well being child ended up a meth arrest," said Deputy Stoney Phillips, a certified Meth Lab Technician. "Thankfully no child was present during this arrest, but if you see suspicious activity like this caller did, we encourage you to let us know. You could save a child, or help get drugs off the street." 

The men were transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail where they are each being held on a $5,000 cash bond.