Authorities in Benton County shut down a methamphetamine "super lab.”
Detectives from the Benton County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division executed a search warrant on Truro Lane in Bella Vista on Friday (May 2) after receiving a tip.
Three people were arrested. They were identified as Allen Wade Utsler, 40, Dylan Wade Utsler, 20, and Kelly Jean McCabe, 37.
Their residence was searched, and authorities found an extensive scale meth lab. Detectives found approximately 175 to 200 "one pot" meth lab bottles and all the precursor items that are used to manufacture meth, according to Keshia Guyll, Public Information Officer of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
"Most people set up a meth lab and make their meth, and then discard the materials,” Guyll said. “These residents continued to keep it and hoard it. A lot of times that's how people get caught. They go and throw the materials in a dumpster, and that usually leads back to them and it's a domino effect. These people had so many materials, bottles and precursors to make methamphetamine; it was just a very large amount."
Guyll said it took 12 hours for lab-certified officers to take apart and neutralize the lab, and it took over 200 pounds of neutralizing chemicals to make the lab safe.
"There are so many safety aspects that go along with a meth lab,” Guyll said. “They are so dangerous and so they did that to ensure everybody's safe at the scene.”
Harold and Zoe Culwell have lived on Truro Lane for 17 years.
“It’s really surprising, well to this degree,” said Harold Culwell.
“We knew something was going on, but we did not expect meth,” said Zoe Culwell.
The Culwells said the Utslers are friendly people, but they do plan to take extra safety precautions.
“Sure I will, we do feel a little bit uneasy,” Harold Culwell said.
Allen Utsler is being held in the Benton County Jail on a $100,000 bond and faces charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearms by certain persons, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms and possession with intent to deliver, according to authorities.
Dylan Utsler is being held in the Benton County Jail on a $50,000 bond and faces charges of possession with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of firearms by certain persons, according to authorities.
McCabe posted a $25,000 bond and was released. The charges she faces include possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled substance, according to authorities.
