By By Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
Accused methamphetamine producers arrested in Hartselle last week were utilizing “shake and bake,” a new method for creating the deadly drug.
Homeowner Phillip Alan Morris, of 110 Booth Street, and four others are charged with unlawful manufacturing in the first degree following the June 19 arrests. Also charged are Chiquita Mayo Moore, Steven Quinn Martin, Jenny Renee Smith, and James Painking.
The arrests followed information provided to the Morgan County Drug Task Force that the home was being used as a clandestine methampetamine lab. Agents were in the process of obtaining search warrants for the home when Hartselle Police were able to serve an active warrant on Moore. During the search, they discovered the lab and the “shake and bake” production.
Shake and bake is a new method used to make the drug. It involves mixing all the ingredients in a bottle, usually a two-liter soda bottle, and shaking it to start the chemical reaction. The process doesn’t emit the strong odor associated with meth production, making it harder for authorities to uncover. It also can lead to explosions in the production bottles.
The five arrested were taken to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility on $5,000 bond. Drug Task Force officials said more charges may be coming.