Investigations continue after meth lab bust

Shannon Powers

A methamphetamine lab was uncovered in Andrews and a man arrested on August 31.

Agents of the Narcotics Unit, SBI and Andrews police departments conducted a search at the residence at 171 Higdon Loop and arrested Shannon Brent Powers, 26, on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine.

This investigation initiated as the result of a Swain County search at the residence of Jamie Sutton, where a meth lab was found, according to police. During the search, agents of the SBI and officers of the Swain County Sheriff's Office developed information which led to the search at 171 Higdon Loop in Andrews.

The lab was a cook using the red phosphorus method and chemicals found and seized were red phosphorus, muriatic acid, lye, brake cleaner, denatured alcohol, several bags of matchbook covers that had strips removed, HCL generator, coffee filters, trace amounts of finished meth and paraphernalia such as small one-inch plastic baggies used to distribute meth.

The investigation is continuing and it is anticipated that more arrests will be coming.