Man Arrested After Alleged Meth Lab Uncovered in Oxford

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office and the Lake County Sheriff's Office SWAT unit allegedly busted an Oxford methamphetamine lab last Tuesday that resulted in the arrest of a 53-year-old man.

Detectives allegedly executed two search warrants after receiving tips that methamphetamine was being manufactured at several locations.

Law enforcement claims an active meth lab was uncovered at one of the sites the man was at.

Detectives allegedly uncovered around 200 grams of meth oil, various drug paraphernalia associated with the manufacturing of the drug and five firearms.

The man faces charges of armed trafficking in methamphetamine, manufacturing of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

As of Wednesday, the man remained in the Sumter County Jail with bail set at $120,500.

The state of Florida takes methamphetamine charges quite seriously. The State views the drug as a hazard to the community as well as the person accused of possessing or producing it. Methamphetamines are made using volatile chemicals that can result in explosions or fires that can injure or kill innocent people. Because of this and the inherent danger of the drugs, Florida law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration tend to impose stiff penalties upon those suspected of running a meth lab in Florida.

If you are found in possession of certain chemicals including phenylacetic acid, phenylacetone, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, law enforcement may try and prove you intended to manufacture meth, which is a felony. Possession of less than 14 grams of meth is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida carrying a five year prison sentence. A conviction for possession of more than 14 grams of meth can result in up to 30 years in prison and carries a mandatory minimum sentence for even a first-time offender.

Methamphetamine possession and manufacturing charges, while severe, can be successfully challenged. The Villages Drug Manufacturing Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can review the facts surrounding the drug charges you are facing and determine viable defenses. Our attorneys understand that the most significant evidence available to the prosecution in drug manufacturing cases is the evidence obtained by law enforcement in a search and seizure. We will aggressively attack the evidence collected and the tactics implemented by law enforcement for gathering evidence. If evidence was obtained illegally, we can file appropriate motions to have the evidence suppressed, which can weaken the prosecution’s case and possibly end in a dismissal of charges.

If you have been arrested or charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in Lake, Sumter or Marion County, contact The Villages Methamphetamine Arrest Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call 352-369-5334.