Traffic Stop Leads to Suspected Mobile Meth Lab Discovery in Towns County

TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. — A traffic stop during a funeral procession Tuesday led to the discovery of materials authorities said were consistent with a mobile methamphetamine laboratory and prompted a response from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Clandestine Lab Unit.

According to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Jeremy Stanley was assisting with a funeral escort on Sept. 15 when he observed a Chevrolet Malibu allegedly fail to yield to emergency vehicles traveling with the procession.

Stanley conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 76, just west of State Route 75 South, at approximately 2:39 p.m.

During the stop, Stanley developed probable cause to believe the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs, according to the sheriff’s office. As the investigation continued, deputies discovered materials inside the vehicle believed to be consistent with a mobile, or “rolling,” methamphetamine laboratory.

Because of the potential presence of hazardous and volatile chemicals, deputies stopped traffic and secured the area while requesting additional assistance.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Clandestine Lab Unit was called to the scene to process and secure the suspected lab.

The male driver was transported to Chatuge Regional Hospital for evaluation. Stanley was also evaluated after experiencing possible symptoms related to exposure at the scene. Both were later released from the hospital.

The driver was subsequently taken into custody on preliminary charges of DUI-drugs and possession of methamphetamine. Additional charges are pending the completion of the investigation.

Sheriff Anthony Coleman commended Stanley for his actions during the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the sheriff’s office said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.