Three arrested in drug investigation

Scott County Sheriff

SCOTT CITY -- A two month investigation into illegal drug activity at a Scott City resident ended with a search warrant being served by the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team members and Scott City police officers Sunday.

Clayton E. Crowden, 28, and Jerry W. Decker, 30, both of Scott City, and George W. Hale, 32, of Benton, were arrested and charged with attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of ephedrine, possession of a controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond has been set at $75,000 for each defendant.

According to a news release issued Monday from Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, the three were arrested at the scene, and a working meth lab was in the process of being dismantled when deputies entered the premises at 701 Wall Street in Scott City.

While on patrol, two Scott City police officers drove by the residence and smelled a strong order of ether. They notified detectives, who were already working on an active case against the residence. A decision was then made to terminate the investigation early and apply for a search warrant.

When the warrant was served, the occupants were trying to flush the meth lab chemicals down the commode, Walter said.

None of the three have yet posted bond. According to Scott County officials, they are scheduled to be arraigned in associate circuit court June 12.