Meth Lab in Pigeon Forge Busted

It has been quite a week for drug enforcement officers. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation produced two major drug busts over the last week while the Pigeon Forge police department have also been busy at work. Officers responded to the Family Inns West in reference to a disturbance call. Upon arrival it was determined that the subjects involved were involved with two subjects who had been arrested earlier for possession of meth/lab. A search of the vehicle operated by the subjects yielded a portable meth lab. The subjects, John S. Richards and Kimberly Powell were arrested and charged with manufacturing of a schedule II drug. Family Inns then filed a charge of vandalism due to the room being contaminated. Earlier in the day, Joel D. Packard and Tiffany Packard were in rooms #3415 and #3416 – adjoining rooms at the same hotel where the subjects had been cooking methamphetamines in the room. The couple’s children were staying in the adjoining room unsupervised. It was reported that the couple had been cooking the drug for approximately five days. With the help of D.T.F., materials used for making, selling, packaging, and using the drug were found and seized. Agent Kevin Bush contacted HEPACO responded and removed chemicals from room #3416. The Packard’s were both arrested and charged with manufacturing of a schedule II drug, child neglect and abuse and simple possession. A bond of $20,000 was set for both defendants. The subject’s children, both minors, were released to their grandparents Roger and Sharon Begley. The agents also seized $705 in U.S. cash and a 1990 Chevrolet Geo Storm.