Meth lab busted in Scott County

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Scott County Sheriff's Department busted a methamphetamine lab Wednesday night in Sikeston.

According to a news release from the sheriff's office, Teren H. Eskew, 31, and Jack W. Hargraves Jr., 39, both of Sikeston, were arrested in connection with the lab.

Detectives received an anonymous tip that a suspicious odor was coming from Eskew's residence on County Road 405.

According to the news release, they responded to the house and smelled an odor commonly associated with the production of methamphetamine and Eskew granted them permission to search the property. The search revealed a complete working methamphetamine lab that was in the process of producing the drug at the time of the search.

Both suspects were charged with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of chemicals, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment.

Hargraves and Eskew are both prior offenders.

In 2002 and 2006, Hargraves pleaded guilty to felony nonsupport. He pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia in 2006.

Eskew pleaded guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture and distribute in 2004.

Bond was set at $75,000 each.

"Even though we are not finding many working labs, we are still making an active effort to control and eliminate the manufacture of controlled substances within our area," said Sheriff Rick Walter in a prepared statement.