Tipton County Sheriff’s Office investigators reportedly broke up what they describe as a large, multistate drug manufacturing and distribution operation in Munford last week.
After searching a home last week, TCSO arrested three people and seized an anabolic steroid lab, thousands of pills and vials, and multiple firearms.
Investigators and detectives with the sheriff’s office, assisted by the TCSO SWAT team and Patrol Division, executed a search warrant Aug. 28 at a home in the 1300 block of Walker Field Road, which is between Melanie and Timberland. The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected multistate narcotics manufacturing and distribution operation with ties to Louisiana, New York and Tennessee, the sheriff said.
Inside the home, investigators said they found what is believed to be an anabolic steroid manufacturing laboratory, along with numerous chemicals, compounds and equipment used to manufacture, package, ship and distribute the steroids.
An elementary-aged child also lives at the home.
“This was not simply a case involving the possession of illegal drugs,” Sheriff Shannon Beasley said. “Our investigators uncovered what we believe to be a very large, sophisticated operation capable of manufacturing, packaging and distributing controlled substances across state lines. The presence of numerous drugs, manufacturing chemicals and firearms inside a residence, particularly where an 8-year-old child is living, is very troubling.”
Investigators said they seized more than 11 kilograms (about 22 pounds) of steroid compounds, one pound of psilocybin mushrooms, more than 500 illegally manufactured Xanax pills, more than 500 pre-loaded vials prepared for distribution, other prescription medications, marijuana, and multiple firearms.
Three people were arrested in the operation:
David “Adam” McNeil, 39, of Munford, also known as “Mad Hatter,” was charged with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell; possession of a Schedule III controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell; possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell; possession of a legend drug with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell; possession of drug paraphernalia; and aggravated child abuse, neglect and endangerment.
Amanda Carol McNeil, 39, of Munford, was charged with aggravated child abuse, neglect and endangerment.
David Lee McNeil, 68, of Munford, was charged with possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell; possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony; and aggravated child abuse, neglect and endangerment.
Adam McNeil and Amanda McNeil have been married for close to 20 years. David Lee McNeil is believed to be Adam’s father.
“Our investigators, SWAT team and patrol deputies worked together to safely shut down this elaborate operation and take those responsible into custody,” he said. “This remains an active investigation, and we will follow the evidence wherever it leads us and hold those responsible accountable.”
Adam McNeil remains in custody on a $500,000 bond.
Amanda McNeil is free on a $5,000 bond. David Lee McNeil is free on a $10,000 bond.
All three are scheduled to appear before a Tipton County General Sessions judge at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
The sheriff’s office said anyone with information in the case can call the Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-3300, or Central Dispatch after hours at 901-475-4300. Tips can also be phoned in at 901-475-3307, emailed to sheriff@tiptonco.com, or sent through Facebook to Sheriff Shannon Beasley. All three suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
