Man arrested after major meth operation is discovered

Melodie Phelps, News Editor

Monticello — A major methamphetamine operation was discovered in the Griffin area of

Wayne County last week, according to information provided by the Lake

Cumberland Area Drug Task Force.

In fact, agents at the scene described it as a "very complex and

expansive laboratory system throughout the home," and officials with the

Drug Task Force indicated that it may be the largest meth operation they

have ever dealt with.

The discovery was made when a search warrant was executed at 3 a.m. on

Thursday, January 14 at the residence of Eddie Clark, 45, of 1459 Highway

1756.

Seized during the raid were 151 one-step methamphetamine labs from

inside the residence and 45 HCL generators and pseudoephedrine were

discovered in a 2003 Dodge pickup.

Clark was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and lodged in the

Wayne County Detention Center.

Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force Director David Gilbert said that an

environmental cleanup company from Louisville assisted agents in placing

hazardous chemicals in over-pack containers for disposal.

More than two trucks were filled with chemicals and hazardous waste from

the residence, which was a two-story dwelling with a full basement.

Gilbert stated this is a perfect example of why pseudoephedrine needs to

be classified as a controlled substance in Kentucky, as it was prior to

1976.



"Far too many deaths and explosions are occurring across the state

because pseudoephedrine is being purchased by multiple individuals and being

sold to the meth lab cookers," stated Gilbert. "It is our hope the current

Kentucky legislative session will take a hard look at scheduling this drug

as did Oregon in July 2006. Oregon's meth labs fell from over 200 to less

than 50 labs in 2006, and continue to decline after the scheduling of

pseudoephedrine."

Kentucky's exact number of meth labs in 2009 has not been reported at

this time, but officials indicate that more than 600 have been discovered.

The Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force was assisted in the search by

the Wayne County Sheriff's Department. Also at the scene were Wayne County

EMS and the Monticello Fire Department.

The investigation is continuing and officials said more arrests are

expected.

Evidence will be presented either to a Wayne County Grand Jury or to a

federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Kentucky.

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