With most people are purchasing school supplies this time of the year, Drug Task Force agents said five people throughout the county were more concerned with buying items to make methamphetamine.

DTF Commander Mark Odom said agents received information about a suspected lab at lot No. 16 in Lunsford Trailer Park in Opp.

“There, they found Lisa Mitchell, 43, and Jonathon Mitchell, 24, in the yard of the mobile home, and when agents explained why they were there, and they both consented to a search of their home,” Odom said. “While inside, they located and detained Walter Sheppard, 25, who was hiding in a closet, and found a ‘one-pot’ methamphetamine cook,

including about 300 grams of methamphetamine oil, muriatic acid, lighter fluid and drain opener.”

All three were each charged with trafficking a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance I and possession of drug paraphernalia and held on a $770,000 bond.

Odom said later that same day, DTF agent Greg Jackson attempted to make a traffic stop on Prestwood Bridge Road in Andalusia, but when he turned on his

blue lights, the vehicle did not stop but continued on approximately half a

mile.

“When the vehicle finally pulled to the roadside, the passenger, 22-year-old Joseph

Acermon, of Andalusia, fled from the truck,” Odom said. “Jackson took the driver, Thomas Byron Thompson, 41 of Andalusia, into custody for an active warrant and

called for backup.”

A short time later, Reserve Deputy Alan Syler discovered Acermon in a wooded area near the scene of the traffic stop.

A search of the truck revealed items used to manufacture meth.

Acermon was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance II and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $203,000. Thompson was charged with manufacturing and held on a $200,000 bond.

“We continue to seek out everyone who is cooking and selling methamphetamine,” Odom said. “We cannot give enough credit to the concerned citizens who call us to report drug activity. The people of Covington County are sending a message to the meth cooks and drug dealers – that we won’t let them plague our community. Without the tips we receive from citizens, we would not be nearly as successful as we are. I encourage anyone who suspects drug activity to call us.”

To report suspected drug activity, call the DTF at (334) 222-3532.