Retail Business Tips Lead To Drug Charges

Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports that for the past few months, deputies and undercover agents with B.U.R.N. (Butler County Under Cover Regional Narcotics) Task force have personally visited several retail businesses. The idea is to educate them on indicators of purchases for the use of illegal drug manufacturing. “We have basically taught these businesses some things to look for and to contact us if they witness certain items being bought together or items that raise a red flag that could be used to make illegal drugs,” said Sgt. Mike Hackney. Today, that type of information led to the arrest of two people.

Christopher Scott Abrams, 38 year old male from Hamilton, was charged with drug abuse instruments, a misdemeanor of the 2nd degree. Samuel Garnett, 50 year old male, was charged with illegal assembly of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, a felony of the 3rd degree.

“Basically, one of our businesses called us and reported the same vehicle, same two occupants purchasing the same items a few days in a row, items you have to sign for from the pharmacy to purchase. An investigation was conducted and both men admitted they bought the items to manufacture methamphetamine. They had the main ingredients but we got them before they started making the recipe. These are the low hanging fruit that need to be picked off the tree and we intend to continue to do just that,” said Sheriff Jones.

This is an on-going investigation and there may be more charges to come. The Sheriff is encouraging retail businesses to continue to contact the Sheriff’s Office with tips at 513-785-1293.