Meth lab, operation dismantled

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigators disassembled a methamphetamine lab late Wednesday after discovering a drug manufacturing location while attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
At about 10 p.m. Wednesday, following leads that a suspect might be at the location, deputies visited a home in the 100 block of Newberry Avenue.
Upon their arrival, investigators quickly identified an operational meth lab, as well as various chemicals and ingredients necessary for the creation of the illegal drug.
Because of the volatile nature of the drug, as well as the labs proximity to a propane dealership, deputies trained and licensed to do so immediately began to disassemble the lab.
Emergency responders from Sumter Fire Department’s hazmat team and Sumter County Emergency Medical Services were also on scene to assist with the decontamination.
No one was injured during the procedure, however four deputies were transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center for treatment due to exposure to the lab. All four officers were released from the hospital.
The residence has been placed in quarantine and will have to undergo a more thorough decontamination.
Once the lab was disassembled, officers from the State Law Enforcement Division were called to the scene to remove the waste created by the drug operation.
No arrests have been made at this time, however the investigation continues, and arrests are expected.
If anyone has any information, he or she is asked to contact either the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2700, or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718.