Lowndes County, GA -- February 10, 2012 --

On Wednesday, February 8 investigators from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Narcotic Investigation Division, responded to 9137 Georgia Highway 135 North, in the Naylor area of Lowndes County, after a suspected methamphetamine lab was discovered. Upon arrival investigators spoke with a Constable from the Lowndes County Magistrate Court who relayed that he had traveled to the residence to serve an eviction notice to the occupant, Vernon Terry.
The Constable stated that he met briefly with Vernon Terry and served him the paperwork. Vernon Terry immediately left the residence. Workers began to move items out of the residence when they smelled a very strong odor of chemicals throughout the home. During a closer inspection of the residence interior the Constable saw specific items that he felt were related to the manufacture of methamphetamine and evacuated the residence due to possible toxic fumes.

Due to the overwhelming presence of a potentially toxic odor being generated by the manufacturing process, the assistance of personnel from Lowndes County Fire-Rescue was sought in order to assist with the decontamination. The odor was so intense that several windows had to be busted in order to properly ventilate the toxic fumes.

During a search of the residence investigators recovered approximately five hundred fifty nine {559} grams of methamphetamine from inside the residence. Several items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine were found and recovered from inside the residence as well. A company licensed and authorized to accept hazardous waste was also called to the scene and took possession of all the toxic items that needed to be disposed of. The methamphetamine has a street value of approximately fifty five thousand dollars {$55,000.00}.

Since the discovery, investigators have been unable to locate Vernon Terry. An arrest warrant has been issued for Vernon Joe Terry for the offense of trafficking methamphetamine, a felony.

Anyone with information pertaining to this event or the whereabouts are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at {229} 671-2900 or the departments tip line at {229} 671-2985. Tips can also be submitted on-line at www.lowndessheriff.com. Callers may remain anonymous.