LAWRENCE COUNTY — Local law enforcement officers are continuingtheir efforts to rid the area of drugs, especially thehighly-addictive and dangerous crystal methamphetamine.

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies and Pearl River BasinNarcotics Task Force Agents raided a manufacturing lab at aresidence near New Hebron last week, according to authorities.

“This is a result of a long-term investigation into themanufacturing and distributing of crystal methamphetamine inLawrence County,” said Investigator Jimmy Barton.

Following the raid at 524 Cliburn Cemetery Road, deputiesarrested Greg Stephens, 36, and charged him with possession ofprecursor chemicals with intent to manufacture crystalmethamphetamine. Stephens was out on bond from similar charges inHattiesburg, stated Sheriff Joel Thames.

Along with the various chemicals recovered, authorities alsoconfiscated two firearms and digital scales used to weigh thefinished product.

The raid and arrest come on the heels of two major drug raidsthe week prior that resulted in the confiscation of a large amountof drugs and precursor chemicals, plus three arrests.

Thames said he was thankful for the concerned citizens whoprovided information about the drug activity, enabling officers toact on it efficiently.