The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office reports two more meth lab related arrests in Evangeline Parish.

Investigations has been receiving information and had knowledge of previous meth lab activity in the northern part of the parish.

New information led to an investigation south of Pine Prairie.

Investigators discovered an inactive meth lab, surveillance equipment and weapons at the residence.

Although the lab was not in operation, components and equipment were in place.

Gary Keith Vernor, age 51 and Patricia Campbell, age 53 of 1023 Southal Ln. were arrested and charged with Creation or Operation of a Clandestine Laboratory for the Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Bond information was not available at press time but both are currently incarcerated at the Evangeline Parish Jail with a hold for Probation and Parole.

Wildlife and Fisheries provided information from a 2008 case involving the couple and Captain Dupre verified current information about the surveillance operation being used to elude police.

Once the subjects were arrested, Louisiana State Police Region III Narcotics began the process of examining the scene and verifying the safety of the area.

They are properly trained and certified in dismantling these types of labs. Once rendered safe, the lab components were transported to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office as evidence.


Captain Keith Dupre stated, "This is an example of the continuing effort between agencies to curtail drug activity."

Captain Dupre stated, "The assistance of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mamou Police Department and Louisiana State Police Region III Narcotics were a great asset in this case.


Feedback from citizens has been very positive.

Sheriff Eddie Soileau reminds citizens that drugs are not only illegal but dangerous. Crystal Meth is a very addictive drug and the cooking process creates highly volatile material.

Crystal Meth labs have been known to explode which after exploding exposes the public to life threatening hazardous material.



Sheriff Soileau stressed, "We will continue to work hard to curtail the drug activity in Evangeline Parish and will not tolerate drug dealers and illicit lab operators in our parish."


Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is asked to call investigations at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office at 363-2161.

Callers will remain anonymous.


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