Two drug labs busted in Waterloo; man arrested for meth-making

Waterloo police and fire personnel respond to a home in the 100 block of West First Street in Waterloo on Thursday morning. (Evan Binns photo) David A. Shelton

A Waterloo man faces felony drug charges following an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies that led to two separate drug labs being uncovered, with more charges against other individuals pending.

The Waterloo Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff’s Department assisted the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois and Illinois State Police in locating the first drug lab in the 300 block of South Main Street.

Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing said police received information from a confidential informant that David A. Shelton, 51, was operating an illegal drug lab from inside his home. Police knocked on his door Thursday and came upon a small lab used for producing methamphetamine.

Shelton is charged with felony aggravated participation in meth production and unlawful possession of meth precursors (pseudoephedrine) with the intent to manufacture meth, both felonies. He remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail with bond set at $50,000. A June 4 preliminary hearing has been set.

Shelton is no stranger to local police. In September 2012, he was arrested by Waterloo police for unlawful possession of a hypodermic syringe. In August 2013, Shelton was arrested in Columbia for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (clonazepam). This past November, he was arrested again by Waterloo police for DUI and possession of a hypodermic syringe.

Rohlfing said information provided by Shelton following his arrest led police to a separate drug lab inside a rental home in the 100 block of West First Street on Thursday. While dismantling that lab, the Waterloo Fire Department was called to stand by with a dry chemical extinguisher.

No injuries were reported in the incident. Charges are pending in the First Street lab bust, Rohlfing said.

 

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Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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