By Staff
The investigation into thefts in the Eva area led to the arrest of a man and the discovery of a methamphetamine lab and explosives.
Deputies with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department questioned James Daniel Tanner of 202 Bethel Church Road in Eva on Aug. 26. While deputies were at his home, Sheriff’s Department officials said they saw items through the window that are commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine and the Morgan County Drug Task Force was called to the scene.
Armed with a search warrant, agents went back to the home and found Tanner asleep on the couch.
Agents found a large operational meth laboratory inside the home. They also found dynamite and firearms, as well as methamphetamine, marijuana, a quantity of hydrogen chloride, a gas generator, more than five gallons of iodine and iodine crystals, red phosphorous, nearly a pound of pseudo ephedrine, $2,000 and weapons.
The Sheriff’s Department said the chemicals could have produced a pound or more of methamphetamine.
Tanner, 33, is charged with first degree unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and a class A felony for possession of a drug paraphernalia. Tanner also possibly faces federal charges through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau for the explosives possession.