Smoke leads to meth arrests

Radcliff police arrested two men Wednesday and uncovered an active portable methamphetamine lab in a suitcase at what neighbors originally thought was a shed fire.
RDP spokesman Bryce Shumate said a resident called the Radcliff Fire Department because smoke could be seen coming from a shed at 1170 Waterfield St.
It initially appeared to firefighters that the smoke was coming from a wood-burning stove in the shed, Shumate said. But once on scene, firefighters smelled chemicals and called police to investigate.
Shumate said a resident gave police permission to search the premises where he said several ingredients used to manufacture meth as well as a meth lab were found. Remnants of other meth lab productions also were discovered thrown around in the woods nearby, Shumate said.
Members of the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force trained in meth lab clean-up were called to dismantle and dispose of the hazardous materials, Shumate said.
James Randolph Stallins, 47, of Radcliff was arrested on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, first degree; first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and failure to notify address change to department of transportation. He is being held at the Hardin County Detention Center under a $75,000 cash bond.
Willie Dean Stallins, 44, of Rineyville was arrested on charges of second-degree possession of a controlled substance, prescription controlled substance not in original container, failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor and failure to notify address change to the department of transportation. He remains in custody at Hardin County Detention Center on other charges and his bond was unsecured.
The case still is being actively investigated and further arrests may be forthcoming, Shumate said.
Gayle Deaton can be reached at (270) 505-1740 or at gdeaton@thenewsenterprise.com.

WILLIE STALLINS

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JAMES STALLINS

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