WCBC

August 27th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

For operating a methamphetamine laboratory in Moorefield, and exposing children to methamphetamine manufacturing – Carl Jacob Smith, Erin Nicole Kline, Brandon Corey Weese, Richard Eugene Turbeville, and Lawrence Wayne Lower III have been arrested and charged by the Hardy County Drug Task Force.. On August 14th, a search warrant was issued based on an investigation by the Hardy County Drug Task Force. Smith's residence on Winchester Avenue was searched by the Hardy County Sheriff's Department in coordination with the Moorefield Police Department. Upon entry of the residence, a strong chemical odor was detected by law enforcement, and an individual was stopped who attempted to run from the scene. Moorefield Fire Company was called to help with breathing equipment, and a WV State Police methamphetamine technician arrived to help identify and test the evidence and coordinate with the WV Department of Environmental Protection to determine the levels of contamination within the structure. The search resulted in the seizure of both active and extinguished methamphetamine labs in the basement of the house. Drug paraphernalia, scales, notebooks with recipes, drug manufacturing devices and ingredients were also found. The residence was condemned pending further testing by the Department of Environmental Protection. All were transported to Potomac Highlands Regional Jail. Magistrate Crites set bond for Smith at $275,000. Weese, Turbeville, Lower, and Kline are each being held on $75,000 bond.