Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

Local News

Related Photos

  • James Houchins, 47, of Tazewell County Contributed photo

    James Houchins

Discussion

February 4, 2012

Authorities in Tazewell County charge man with production of meth

By BILL ARCHER Bluefield Daily Telegraph

NORTH TAZEWELL, Va. — A Tazewell County man was arrested after law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on his Baptist Valley Road residence and discovered equipment used to manufacture methamphetamine, according to a press release from the Tazewell County Sheriff’s office.

James Houchins, 47, of Tazewell County was not the only occupant of the residence where the materials were discovered, according to a press release from Tazewell County Sheriff Brian Hieatt.

“The investigation will continue and all persons involved in this incident will be charged,” Hieatt was quoted as stating in a press release. “Methamphetamines are a growing problem in our community and while we are remaining vigilant, it is easy for these individuals to conceal what they are doing.”

Hieatt said in a phone interview that a special team made up of the Tazewell County Narcotics Task Force and the Virginia State Police and deputies from the sheriff’s office participated in the execution of the search warrant.

“We have to call the Virginia State Police in when we have a suspected meth lab in order to remove the chemicals safely,” Hieatt said.

“We investigated this case for some time,” Hieatt said. Although this marks the first meth lab bust in Tazewell County this year, Hieatt said Tazewell County authorities busted 12 meth labs in 2011.

“The public can help us by reporting suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies,” Hieatt said.

He added that it is illegal to purchase pseudoephedrine (cold medicine) for someone, and doing so could lead to arrest.

Hieatt said that authorities arrested Houchins without incident.

— Contact Bill Archer at barcher@bdtonline.com

Text Only
Local News