Meth laboratory raided

Officers of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department have closed a methamphetamine lab on Asheville Highway in connection with an ongoing investigation and charged two of the occupants of the home with the manufacture of narcotics.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 14, a search warrant was executed at 613 Asheville Highway, Lot # 13. A search of the mobile home on the premises found the occupants to be in possession of ingredients and products used to manufacture methamphetamine, and a working clandestine meth laboratory. Officers also found a white powdery substance believed to be the final product inside the home.
Upon detection of the active laboratory, Grant Lowe of the Southeast TN Methamphetamine Task Force responded to calls for assistance from the Sheriff’s Department and assisted with the collection of evidence at the scene. Collected were samples of liquids in containers for later analysis by the TBI Crime Lab.
A contract clean-up crew was sent into the home after the collection of evidence to properly dispose of the volatile products that were found in the home and also used in the manufacture of the illicit substance. SCSD Detectives Matthew Cubberley and Loren Kirby, who have specialized training through the DEA in clandestine labs, used special suits and breathing apparatus to go in and retrieve the products and chemicals from the home.
Assisting in the operation was Detective Jeff McCarter, Sgt. David Robertson and K-9 Lobo, Patrolman Blaine Lewis and K-9 Jodie, Patrolman Anthony Moore and Patrolman James Breeden.
Charged in connection with the lab were the two occupants of the home: William R. Owenby, age 34, and Brian R. Owens, age 25, who are charged with the manufacturing of Schedule II narcotics and possession of Schedule II narcotics for resale.
Charles L Strader Jr., age 35, of 1323 Joshua Rd. in Seymour, TN was charged with possession of a Schedule II narcotic in connection with the case as well.

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