Standard Democrat

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston, Mo., couple remains in custody in the Scott County Jail following their arrests on drug-related charges.

Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell said Darrell W. Barksdale, 48, and his wife, Cynthia A. Barksdale, 44, are charged with attempting to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of chemicals, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of ephedrine and endangering the welfare of a child. Bond for each suspect is set at $500,000.

Ferrell said a narcotics investigation conducted by the department resulted in the issuance of a search warrant for the Barksdales' Sikeston residence. The search warrant was served Monday night by deputies and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

He said articles used in the manufacturing process of methamphetamine, controlled narcotics and other drug paraphernalia were found during the search.

Ferrell said the endangering charge stems from officers finding two children, a 19-month-old and a 6-year-old, inside the residence.