By By Lynette Wilson / staff writer
Oct. 10, 2002
Three people remained in the Lauderdale County jail today on charges related to the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Michael Pat Green, 38, of Lauderdale County; Paula Tess Rigdon, 34, of Lauderdale County; and Thomas W. Walden, 31, of Union were arrested Wednesday in Collinsville by the East Mississippi Drug Task Force.
They were charged with possession of two or more ingredients, or "precursors," with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. No bond has been set on the three.
Methamphetamine is a potent form of speed and goes by such names as "crystal" or "crank." It's often cooked in makeshift labs and sold on the street as a powder or smokable form of crystal.
Task Force agent Warren Cox said the suspects had enough dry ice, ephedrine and other ingredients to manufacture a little more than an ounce of methamphetamine an amount worth about $3,000.
Cox said the Task Force received a tip from the Neshoba County Sheriff's Department. After three-hours of documented video surveillance and with the help of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, the suspects were arrested.
He said the suspects unloaded the precursors and began "cooking" methamphetamine on the back porch in plain view. Cox said evidence will be tested and could affect the severity of the felony charge.