***UPDATE May 17, 2013 1:20 p.m.***

On Friday morning Gilmer resident Alan Smith was arrested after Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force agents found methamphetamines on his property.

Smith was initially visited on Friday morning due to a warrant for his arrest from Tennessee, but upon visiting his residence it was discovered that Smith had an active pot of methamphetamines cooking as well as several other pots that were not being used at the time.Items found inside the home make it appear as if Smith was making the meth with the intentions of selling it to others, which may soon lead to distribution charges as well.

Clean up of the property is now in order and will go into Friday evening and possibly Saturday, as those in charge of the clean up process are traveling up to Ellijay from Valdosta.

FYN will update this situation once more information is made available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sheriff Nicholson releases the following information:

Early this morning, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Sgt. Greg McClure, Josh Chancy and Ryan Franklin, responded to 108 Northcutt Road to execute arrest warrants on a wanted person. During the execution of the warrants, officers observed what appeared to be a working Methamphetamine Lab. Deputies secured the offender, the other occupants, and the scene.

Due to a potential fire hazard, fire personnel were called to assess the volatility of the lab. Sheriff’s Detectives and Agents from the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force were then called in and began processing the scene and dismantling the lab.

At this time, a male and female are being questioned regarding the lab. The male has been taken into custody and is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. This investigation is continuing and other persons could be arrested and/or other charges could be added.

Sheriff Nicholson stated he was very pleased that no one has been injured in this process. He said these cooking labs are very dangerous and commends his officers for doing an excellent job not only in the discovery and apprehension but also in following the procedures for processing the lab.