Indoor Marijuana Grow And Meth Lab Leads To Overnight Investigation

The McCracken County Sheriff Department responded to 1149 Oaks Road on 07/24/09 at approximately 9:55 a.m. in reference to a disturbance. The alleged aggressor was Jason C. Grissom in whom was currently on Felony probation through the Kentucky Department Of Probation And Parole. Due to Grissom being on Felony probation the Department Of Probation And Parole also responded with deputies. Upon arrival Deputy Jason Walters determined that the problems began over a juvenile in whom resided at this same location began destroying what was alleged to be Grissom's Marijuana plants. The McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division was called to the scene to assist with the investigation. Upon detectives arrival the discovery of more than five Marijuana plants were discovered growing in the garage of the residence. The Marijuana was inside a makeshift grow area of the garage. Someone had placed reflective sheeting around a wooden frame, installed fans to provide air to the area, and high wattage grow lights. The Marijuana plants had on the average approximately ten inch long buds therefore requiring the plants to be tied up to prevent them from falling over. Grissom was arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail without incident.

Along with this same investigation detectives had received information alleging that both Grissom and his stepfather, James L. Kingston were both involved in Manufacturing Methamphetamine at the stepfathers residence located across the street at 1155 Oaks Road. Detectives went to this location while a search warrant was being prepared for this residence. Upon detectives arrival to the area movement in and out of the residence was noted by several different individuals. Detectives proceeded to the residence in efforts to make contact with James Kingston. A short time after there arrival Kingston stepped out of the residence and began attempting to hide a bag of Methamphetamine. As detectives made Kingston aware that they had observed the Methamphetamine he attempted to destroy the Methamphetamine by placing it in his mouth. Detectives quickly subdued Kingston and recovered the Methamphetamine subsequently placing him under arrest. A search of the residence revealed numerous articles of drug paraphernalia, over eight ounces of Marijuana, semi automatic handguns (one in which was loaded), and a large amount of chemist type material and devices. A search of a trailer that was parked on this same property revealed a large Methamphetamine Lab in which had been in operation in the recent past. Kingston informed detectives of a product called Sodium Azide. Kingston added that the substance was very dangerous and could explode easily if not handled correctly. The substance was essentially the same product utilized in airbags to enable the deployment. Kingston stated that he had purchased the product approximately 15 years ago when it was legal to do so. The Paducah Bomb Squad was called to assist with the disposal of this substance.

Due to the potential for this product to be explosive, detectives could not dismantle the Meth lab until the product had been removed by the bomb squad out of the middle of where the lab was located.

One problem was creating additional problems which greatly hindered and slowed our ability of resolving the incident. Risk of damage to property and or citizens was possible had this issue not been handled correctly. Due to a good working relationship between the Paducah Police Department, Marshal County Sheriff Department and our agency the incident was stabilized and properly disposed of. Immediate neighbors to this area was asked to evacuate while the bomb squad disposed of the product. Once the dismantling of the Methamphetamine Lab began detectives recovered 5 large barrels of waste weighing a total of approximately 175. The waste was over packed and will be properly disposed of. Reidland Farley Fire Department stood by at the scene with officers through out the duration of this incident.

During an interview with Kingston he admitted that he had been cooking Methamphetamine over the last several months on and off from this location. Kingston was also arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail without incident.

ARRESTED: Grissom, Jason C. 34 years of age

Of 1149 Oaks Road

CHARGES: Cultivating Marijuana 5 plants or more

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Offense

Possession Of A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Methamphetamine)

ARRESTED: Kingston, James L. 47 years of age

Of 1155 Oaks Road

CHARGES: Tampering With Physical Evidence

Possession Of Methamphetamine 2nd Offense

Resisting Arrest

Manufacturing Methamphetamine

Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The First Degree Methamphetamine

Trafficking In Marijuana Over 8 Ounces

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Offense

Possession Of A Handgun By A Convicted Felon X's Four Counts

Unlawful Possession Of A Methamphetamine Precursor

Possession Of Controlled Substance 3rd Degree 2nd Offense

Prescription Drug Not In A Proper Container.

Kingston's 1997 Chevy Pickup was also seized as part of the investigation. Additional charges are expected to be filed against additional suspects in connection with the Methamphetamine Lab.

END OF RELEASE

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division