Lexington County Meth Lab Busted, Two Arrested

Two people have been arrested after Lexington County narcotics officers busted a meth lab operated by the couple.

Brenton Alford Brazell, 33, was arrested in Lexington on drug charges for manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawfully altering pseudoephedrine and improperly disposing of waste from a methamphetamine laboratory. Candida Mae Card, 39, was arrested on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawfully altering pseudoephedrine, improperly disposing of waste from a methamphetamine laboratory, unlawfully possessing a controlled substance and possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

On Wednesday, May 28th, Lexington County Narcotics Enforcement Team officers went to the pair’s home on Kyle Road, after receiving information about illegal drug activity and a possible meth lab on the premises. When NET searched the house, they found a reaction vessel used to make meth, as well as Xanax pills. They also found a blender full of powder made from pseudoephedrine and other prescription medications, and a .22 caliber rifle.

This was the second meth lab bust in Lexington County in one week.

Brazell and Card were taken to the Lexington County Detention Center, and are currently awaiting a bond hearing.

The Rise of Meth Labs in Lexington, South Carolina

The law enforcement officers in Lexington County, South Carolina began a serious campaign last fall to round up criminals for manufacturing and/or distributing methamphetamines. It is a new year, but officers are still serious about drug crimes, especially with meth labs. Operations began in October 2012, with at least 13 reported arrests related to meth labs in Lexington County. Throughout January, officers arrested several more suspects for operating meth labs in West Columbia and Lexington.

Since the beginning of the year, Lexington officials have busted 44 meth labs and arrested 66 people, including the six arrested over the weekend.

Statistics from 2000 show that South Carolina had one of the lowest rates of methamphetamine use in the country.

However, those numbers are changing as meth labs become more portable, and meth manufacturers become more savvy. Between 2007 and 2011, incidents of busted meth labs increased more than 10 times – 26 in 2007, to 267 in 2011. News reports show meth lab busts in some part of South Carolina nearly every week.

Two years ago, South Carolina lawmakers attempted to stop the fast-growing trend by placing limits on the amount of pseudoephedrine customers can purchase, and pharmacists – who keep the drug behind counters – swipe the customer’s driver’s license to see if limits have been met. Electronic tracking should, in theory, stop meth manufacturers from buying large amounts of the necessary chemical.

However, the portable meth labs use less of the drug by creating smaller amounts of methamphetamine.

All meth labs use dangerous, deadly chemicals, and are prone to explosions – even the portable ones. In the shake and bake method, manufacturers must constantly unscrew the lid of the bottle to relieve pressure. When not monitored closely, the bottles can explode, spraying dangerous chemicals everywhere.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Meth Lab Drug Crimes Charges

The drug crime attorneys at Strom Law Firm, LLC will aggressively defend your case whether you are under investigation or have been arrested for drugs in all State and Federal Courts in South Carolina as well as the Federal Courts in Georgia. Drug cases, including meth lab busts, need to be examined from every angle, and in many cases are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. Aggressive representation can protect your future. Drug crime charges and drug busts in South Carolina are very serious. If you have been charged with possession, trafficking, or manufacturing drugs, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today by calling (803)252-4800.