Alleged meth lab, precursors found at day care

Margaret Baker

Nov. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- OCEAN SPRINGS -- A tip led narcotics agents Tuesday to a residential day care, where agents found three meth labs and associated precursors used to the manufacture the drug, said Curtis Spiers, commander of the Narcotics Task Force of Jackson County.

The investigation initially started after authorities received complaints about the suspect possibly being a meth cook in the Ocean Springs area.

Authorities then ran a background on the suspect and discovered that the suspect was under house arrest living in a Stennis Street home with his mother, who ran the day care. The day care mostly served children of local business professionals.

The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was arrested in a traffic stop shortly after he left the home. Agents, Spiers said, arrested the suspect after a traffic stop.

At the home, Spiers said agents found several meth labs, including one in the backyard of the home, where the day care children went outside to play.

The parents have been advised to take their children to the hospital or a local physician to be checked out because of their potential exposure to meth.

In addition, Spiers said, authorities discovered possible child pornography. The pornography case was turned over to the Ocean Springs Police Department to investigate.

Spiers said the name of the suspect along with several other day care workers arrested at the home Tuesday would be released some time today.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0021-39426263