Investigation Links Two Separate Arrests in Organized Meth Operation.
Halford Odom of New Caney is the alleged Meth Cook.
On July 16, 2009, Detective Randy Turner with the Polk County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop on a gray Nissan Titan Truck as the vehicle left The Yaupon Cove subdivision located off of FM-3459 in Onalaska. During the traffic stop, Turner had probable cause (evidence and circumstances strongly suggesting illegal drugs) and conducted a search on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle turned up marijuana and methamphetamine. Amy Welch and Leslie Roberts (both of Onalaska) were placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine and transported to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. A short time later, Narcotics Detective Lieutenant Andy Lowrie learned of another Gray Nissan Titan. Intelligence indicated that the truck's occupants were possibly involved in an illegal drug operation. Deputy Chris Lima located the truck in the parking lot of Owen Plaza in Livingston. Lieutenant Lowrie and Detective Mark Jones conducted a probable cause search on the vehicle. The detectives located a methamphetamine lab in the bed of the truck concealed under plywood, boards and tires. Lowrie and Jones uncovered glassware used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine in the cab of the truck. The search also produced pseudophedrine, used syringes, scales, and methamphetamine. The trucks owner, Halford Odom of New Caney is suspected of being the "meth cook" and was placed under arrest for manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. Odom also had two warrants for his arrest out of Montgomery County. The other truck occupant, Kimberly Whittenburg of Onalaska, was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine when the drug was found in her purse. Information obtained in the investigation showed that the methamphetamine lab was going to be transported to the Cedar Point subdivision to relatives of Leslie Roberts where a methamphetamine cook was going to take place on their property.
Kimberly Whittenburg of Onalaska was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.
A meth lab was concealed underneath, plywood, boards, and tires.
Lieutenant Andy Lowrie uncovers chemicals used in manufacturing methamphetamine.
Livingston Police Officer Ashley Brame (right) looks on as Detective Mark Jones takes pictures of evidence while the search continues.
Halford Odom also had 2 warrants out for his arrest out of Montgomery County.
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