Eric Alderfer

Churubusco Town Marshal Mike Engle, Deputy Marshal Garry Jones and Reserve Officer Zach Bell discovered not one, but 17 one-pot methamphetamine labs during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle.

Police responded at 11:05 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, to a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in Churubusco. They found a 1999 GMC Jimmy occupied by two individuals. As they were preparing to search the vehicle, the driver told police there was an active lab in the vehicle.

Whitley County Drug Task force was called, as well as the Indiana State Police methamphetamine team.

After a complete search, 17 one-pot meth labs were found along with 15 hydrochloric gas generators. Officers also found methamphetamine, chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine and paraphernalia, including syringes.

Ryan Sells

Ryan J. Sells, 20 and Eric D. Alderfer Jr., 25, both of Churubusco, were arrested and are being held in the Whitley County Jail.

Alderfer has initially been charged with dealing in methamphetamine by manufacturing, dealing in meth by delivery, possession of meth, possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture, maintaining a common nuisance and transferring controlled substance waste.

Sells has initially been charged with dealing in methamphetamine by manufacturing, possession of meth, possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture, and transferring precursors.