Deputies Bust A Meth Lab Inside A Motel Room

By: Marisela Burgos/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: March 17, 2008

Chief Deputy Brian Hardison says the two had all the tools they needed for a Meth lab in that room. Deputies arrested 33-year-old Shawn Matthews and 29-year-old Shannon Whigham, at the Port-O-Plymouth Inn. Both men are from other states. Matthews faces one count of manufacturing Meth, and Whigham faces two counts. Both men are in jail.

On Sunday afternoon, something didn't smell right at the Port-O-Plymouth Motel in Washington County. Chief Deputy Brian Hardison says a motel worker called them about an unfamiliar odor.

“These guys certainly knew what they were doing,” Chief Deputy Hardison says.

Hardison says on Saturday night, in room 213, Shannon Whigham was cooking Meth.

Reporter: “But, for some reason he checked out of 213 and checked into a room, downstairs where the other suspect was staying.

Matthews was in room 129, where investigators caught the pair, but in room 213, Chief Deputy Hardison says they found tools used in a Meth lab, things like plastic containers, hoses, and filters. Motel Manager, Raj Patel says he’s shocked by the discovery.

“We are surprised it happened and hopefully it won't happen again in this county,” Patel says.

Investigators say this is the first time they've had this type of crime in their county and the fact the suspects are from out of town is encouraging.

“We hope that….they take it back with them. We don't want to see it here,” Hardison says.

Meth is a dangerous, addictive drug and investigators in Washington County hope they'll never find it here again. Chief Deputy Hardison says it's the hotels responsibility to get rid of the contaminated clothing and to clean up. Motel manager, Raj Patel says they will do so immediately and they'll keep those rooms unoccupied until then.