Multiple arrests announced by drug task force

CHIPLEY — The question asked by several in attendance at Vernon City Councilwoman Narvel Armstrong’s retirement party Saturday was, “What were all the sirens in Vernon Saturday?” The Washington County Drug Task Force provided the answer to sirens in Vernon and elsewhere in a news release Monday that detailed arrests made throughout the county made as a result of investigation into methamphetamine-related crimes..

Two methamphetamine labs were dismantled and large quantities of listed chemical used to manufacture methamphetamines were confiscated.

“These investigations included an undercover sting operation with investigators posing as methamphetamine dealers at a local motel” said Chipley Police Chief Crews. “We intend to throw every available resource at this methamphetamine epidemic and as a result, we were able to net three arrests from this sting alone.”

The Washington County Drug Task Force consists of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Chipley Police Department.

Arrests included:

•Robbie Glass, 31, of Glass Road in Chipley, possession of methamphetamines

•Lawanda Russell, 34, of Ferguson Road in Chipley, possession of marijuana, possession of listed chemicals, possession of methamphetamines

•Randy Glenn, 38, of Millers Ferry Road in Vernon, principle to possession of listed chemicals, violation of probation

•Michael Broome, 35, of Douglas Ferry Road in Chipley, manufacturing methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia

•Charles “Chucky” Wells, 42, of Holmes Valley Road in Vernon, manufacturing methamphetamines, possession of methamphetamines, possession of listed chemicals

•Lawanda Bieser, 41, of McFatter Avenue in Vernon, manufacturing of methamphetamines, possession of methamphetamines, possession of listed chemicals

The task force and other law enforcement agencies have urged citizen participation in identifying suspects and locations of suspected criminal activity. According to Washington County Sheriff Bobby Haddock, those requests for help are paying off.

“These investigations were a direct result of citizen involvement and cooperation coupled with the hard work of Drug Task Force investigators and the officers and deputies from both departments,” Haddock said. “At the end of the day, a collaborative effort is the best recipe for success.”

Haddock ask that anyone with information on suspected illegal drug activity contact us at 638-TIPS (8477) or by email at tips@wcso.us.