Mammoth Cave Couple Arrested On Meth Charges

Darren Doyle, story
The Edmonson County Sheriff's office responded to a drug complaint at a residence on E Poteet Road in the Mammoth Cave community Saturday night, February 13, 2016, that accused both residents of buying an oddly large amount of allergy medicine in pill form containing pseudophedrine.

After interviewing both residents Porter "P.J." and Kymbra Gross, officers reportedly found a corner section from a plastic bag filled with the crushed pills in question. Officers also said they found several other items consistent with manufacturing methamphetamine in the residence.

Both P.J. Gross, 35,  and Kymbra Gross, 25, each of Mammoth Cave, were arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Meth Precursor 1st offense, and lodged in Hart County Jail. The case is still under investigation and officials said that more charges could be added at the next Edmonson County Grand Jury court session.

P.J. Gross, 35, Mammoth Cave. (Hart Co Jail)

Kymbra Gross, 25, Mammoth Cave. (Hart Co. Jail)

"Pseudophedrine is a main component, and cannot be substituted  in manufacturing methamphetamine," said Sheriff's Dectective Wally Ritter. "The drug is found in allergy and cold medicine to treat congestion. Psuedophede is considered a "meth precursor", and there are ways it can be unlawfully possessed.   Compromising or tampering with it in order to use it for manufacturing meth; or possessing pseudophedrine with the intent for use to be used in manufacturing methamphetamine are both considered Unlawful Possession of a Meth Precursor."

Det. Ritter also said that due to the drug being so crucial in manufacturing meth, the federal government has set maximum amounts that can be purchased daily. He added that Kentucky and several other states have also passed legislation limiting the amount someone can purchase monthly and yearly. "Someone also must provide identification and sign when purchasing medicine containing pseudophedrine," he said. 

Sheriff Shane Doyle said the arrest was an excellent example of what proactive law enforcement can do. "Our officers have been investigating these subjects and many more for a while now, and with patience, we aim to stop every single meth cook, dope dealer, and persistent felon in our county," he said.