'Operation Pill Crusher' Nets 15
The Johnston County Sheriff's Office made its 15th arrest on Wednesday in a round-up of people suspected of involvement in methamphetamine production.
Posted — UpdatedJimmy Ray Parnell, 30, of Erwin, became the latest person arrested in "Operation Pill Crusher," which was launched in late July with the State Bureau of Investigation's help.
Parnell is charged with exceeding the pseudoephedrine buying limits and distribution of a precursor chemical. He was transferred from Harnett County to the Johnston County Jail on Wednesday and placed under a $200,000 bond.
Earlier, authorities said they expected at least 50 people to be arrested during the operation.
Investigators searched the logs of 24 pharmacies to target individuals making multiple purchases of pseudoephedrine pills, the main ingredient in crystal methamphetamine.
Purchasers must be at least 18 years old, show photo ID and sign a log to buy these products.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
