Washington County deputies make drug arrests

POTOSI — A traffic stop resulted in the discovery of a full-blown marijuana growing operation at a Washington County residence and the execution of an unrelated arrest warrant uncovered a meth operation.

On the traffic stop, a vehicle was pulled over near the Huddle House on March 3 for a routine violation, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Randall Twente, 49, Cadet. Twente was placed under arrest for driving while having a suspended driver’s license. According to a press release issued by the sheriff’s department, a search of Twente’s vehicle uncovered 20 pills identified as Xanax and a large bag that contained several smaller bags of marijuana. The bags appeared to be packaged for narcotics sale.

The sheriff’s department weighed the marijuana at 115.5 grams.

Deputies then went to Twente’s residence located on Mishawk Road. A search warrant was obtained and deputies discovered Twente was growing marijuana inside the home. Deputies found a pistol, five marijuana plants, grow lights, several bags of Miracle Grow and additional marijuana.

Twente has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In an unrelated incident on March 10, five people were arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine. According to a press release issued by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, deputies went to a residence located on Province Road to make a warrant arrest. When they arrived, a man matching the description of the wanted suspect ran from the residence. Deputies chased him on foot and caught him in a field behind the residence.

Deputies identified the man as Anthony Miller, 34, Park Hills. While outside the deputies smelled a strong chemical odor. The deputies removed all the occupants from the residence, including an infant child.

The sheriff’s department contacted the Mineral Area Drug Task Force for assistance. The occupants consented to a search of the home, according to the press release, and a methamphetamine lab was found.

Christopher Jones, 28, Irondale, Laina Moore, 24, Irondale, Carrie Cannell, 30, Park Hills, and Jones were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, six counts of possession of a chemical with the intent to manufacture, possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to manufacture and possession of marijuana.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.