Methamphetamine lab with a pill press
Oconee County deputies charged Colby Edward Watts, 29, Tuesday with additional charges in connection to this crime.
Watts now faces one count each of manufacturing MDA (Methhylenedioxyamphetamine), manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance (Alprazolam), possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and violation of the drug distribution law.
Watts was released from the Oconee County Detention Center on Monday after posting a bond of more than $116,000.
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A methamphetamine lab with a pill press was seized Friday at an Upstate home, leading to an arrest, according to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
Master Deputy Jimmy Watt, with the sheriff’s office, said Colby Edward Watts, 29, was charged with the distribution of methamphetamine and distribution of oxycodone.
Watt said narcotics agents and deputies used a search warrant at Watt’s home on Toccoa Highway about 10:45 a.m., which is near Jenkins Bridge Road.
Watt said the search warrant was requested after undercover operatives, working with the sheriff’s office, bought meth and oxycodone there.
He said hazmat crews, as well as a clean-up crew, responded to the scene due to the presence of hazardous chemicals and substances.
Paramedics were also called in case those involved in the search warrant became ill, Watt said.
No reports of illness or injuries were reported, he said.
Crews cleaned up over 220 pounds of hazardous materials and chemicals at the scene, officials said.
Capt. Ken Washington of the Special Operations Division said pill presses can be used to make pills that are made of fentanyl into pills that look like other prescription medication.
Washington said that increases the likelihood of an overdose when someone takes what they believe to be a prescription pill and don’t realize it is made of fentanyl.
Watts was taken to the Oconee County Detention Center.
Deputies are continuing the investigation and more charges could come, Watt said.
Tags: Arrests Drug Trafficking Meth Meth Lab Opioid Crisis Oxycodone Pill Press
