The Anson County Sheriff/Wadesboro Police City County Drug Task Force arrested two suspects for operating a meth lab on Friday, Feb. 27. Officers arrested Joseph Brandon Murdock, 25, whose address was listed as 107 Camden St., Lilesville. Murdock was charged with possession, possession of precursors and manufacturing to distribute methamphetamine. Bond was set at $250,000. Also arrested was Angel L. Weatherford, 28, 3235 Cameron Road, Polkton. Weatherford was charged with manufacturing to distribute and possession of precursors of methamphetamine. Her bond was set at $100,000. Court date for both individuals is April 20.

Anson County Sheriff Tommy Allen said that the SBI was called in to evaluate the scene as was a contract hazardous chemical clean-up crew.

During the same time, officers from the City/County Drug Task Force stopped a vehicle on Highway 74 and arrested two suspects, seizing a large quantity of drugs and currency.

After stopping the vehicle a sheriff’s K-9 was dispatched to the scene and alerted to drugs inside the vehicle. A large quantity of prescription drugs were found, including steroids and livestock medicines. A check of the occupants revealed that one suspect had a previous arrest at the U.S./Mexican border for smuggling prescription drugs into the United States. He had also been arrested for smuggling illegal aliens into the country. Arrested were Elvira Cruz Bautista Torres, 42, 301 N. Main St. Huntersville, and Lionardo Perales Torres, 45, same address. Both suspects were charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver prescription drugs under schedule II and III, and maintaining a vehicle to sell and deliver drugs. Elvira Torres was placed under a $1,000 cash bond and Lionardo was placed under a $10,000 bond, plus a hold was placed on him for immigrations. A court date for both was set for April 28.

Anson County Sheriff Tommy Allen said that this incident was a good example of a drug interdiction operation.

“We had a K-9 on the scene shortly after the vehicle was stopped and the dog alerted to drugs," Sheriff Allen said. "We seized a large quantity of prescription drugs, money and the vehicle.

"One suspect was illegally in the country and we are holding him for immigration. "