More than 100 items seized in TC meth bust

In separate case, Derby man jailed for dealing in drug

TELL CITY - Police seized more than 100 items of evidence, from anhydrous tanks to coffee filters, all allegedly used in the making of methamphetamine, from a Park Avenue home last week.

William S. Wolf, 29, who gave police an address of 144 N. 14th St., Tell City, was initially jailed on a parole violation. However, formal criminal charges of manufacturing meth and possessing the ingredients used to make the drug are expected to be filed. According to police and court records, Wolf will face a Class B felony charge of manufacturing methamphetamine and other charges for possessing anhydrous ammonia and other drug ingredients.

Police obtained a search warrant for the home at 84 Park Ave. Feb. 20 and seized dozens of items, including camping fuel, lithium batteries and pseudoephedrine pills, all common ingredients and supplies used to make meth.

Members of a state police drug-lab team destroyed three tanks suspected of containing anhydrous ammonia, another meth-making ingredient.

The Tell City Fire Department was called as a precaution and firemen dressed in full turnout gear held hoses at the ready in case a fire erupted. Several neighbors were asked to either leave their homes for a short time or remain indoors while police removed items found in the house.

According to the Indiana Department of Correction, Wolf was sentenced in August 2004 on charges of possessing drug precursors and ordered to serve three years in prison. He was still on parole when he was arrested last week.

Derby Man Arrested

County Sheriff's Deputies Richard Kratzer and Daymion Marsh arrested a Perry County man early Monday allegedly found driving a car containing nearly all of the ingredients used to make meth.

According to the deputies, Dennis W. Howell II, 26, of 12478 State Road 70, Derby, faces a Class B felony charge of dealing in methamphetamine. Howell was initially arrested on three counts of possession of chemical reagents used to manufacture meth.

Deputies arrested Howell near a barn on Indiana 66 between Derby and Rome. Many of the drug-making supplies were found in the trunk of the Mercury Sable, with others found in a coat pocket, deputies said.

Wolf and Howell remain lodged in the Perry County Jail.

Police have investigated 19 drug labs since Jan. 1. Anyone with information on illegal drug activity can call the State Police Methamphetamine Hotline at (800) 453-4756. Information can also be left on the Tell City Police Department's anonymous tip line at 547-9563.