Recent Prison Releasee Facing Methamphetamine Charges

 

The Levy County Drug Task Force arrested a local repeat offender for methamphetamine related charges on Monday, August 10, 2015.  Drug Task Force investigators went to 8751 NW 125^th Street in Chiefland in order to execute an arrest warrant.  The investigators located and arrested Nevina Tease (1-3-80) on an outstanding Violation of Probation warrant. 

While on the premises, the investigators developed information that Tracy James Smith (8-17-73) was preparing to manufacture methamphetamine.  The homeowner gave consent for the deputies to search the home, and they located a small amount of marijuana and methamphetamine along with Smith’s belongings.  Investigators also found Smith’s backpack which he was apparently using as a Clandestine Lab Kit.  The backpack contained the following items: 

          1. Plastic tubing;

          2.  Red Devil Lye;

          3.  Coffee filters;

          4.  Drano;

          5.  One mesh strainer;

          6.  One glass Pyrex dish;

          7.  One Charcoal Lighter;

          8.  Coleman fuel;

          9.  Several lithium batteries;

          10.  Several razor blades;

          11.  Several PH testers;

          12.  Solder iron;

          13.  Aluminum foil; and

          14.  Plastic baggies.    

 

The Certified Clandestine Laboratory Investigators on scene recognized that all of these items are regularly used in the manufacture and distribution of Methamphetamine.  Smith was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Smith was transported to the Levy County Detention Center where his total bond was set at $141,000.00. 

Smith is no stranger to law enforcement in the Tri-County area.  He has been arrested numerous times in Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist Counties.  Smith was most recently released from incarceration by the Florida Department of Corrections on June 16, 2015. 

According to Sheriff Bobby McCallum, “this case shows the need for long prison sentences for repeat offenders like many of those arrested during Operation Melting Pot.  It is one of the most effective forms of crime prevention.”

The LCSO wants to again warn the public of the dangerous and volatile chemical components used to manufacture methamphetamine.  These substances create some of the most hazardous conditions in which deputies work. The LCSO is dedicated to locating and arresting all individuals who are making this deadly drug and ask our citizens to report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

 

 ###