DELAND, Fla. – Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested seven people running a meth lab while a 9-year-old child was present.
[PHOTOS: Seven charged]
East Volusia Narcotics Task Force said an investigation on Friday led them to a trailer located at 1125 Maytown Road in Oak Hill. When agents knocked on the door, it took the occupants a long time to respond. When the door opened, agents recognized a chemical odor, which they suspected was from on-going meth activity. They also noticed a 9-year-old child present.
While looking through the trailer, agents noticed a plastic bottle in the bedroom with a hose coming out of it and other bottles in the bathroom. Agents then left to go to a judge to get a search warrant, deputies said.
Agents said they returned with the warrant and chemical-resistant suits to safely dismantle the meth lab. Agents also discovered prescription pain pills, two loaded guns and additional ammunition. One of the guns had been reported stolen following a vehicle break-in.
Charges of manufacturing methamphetamine in the presence of a child, trafficking in methamphetamine, child abuse, possession of a schedule II substance with intent to sell, possession of a schedule III substance with intent to sell, grand theft of a firearm, possession of narcotics paraphernalia were filed against the suspects.
The Florida Department of Children and Families turned over the 9-year-old to relatives.