Deputies with the Itawamba County Sheriff’s Department recently made a number of arrests, adding to a growing number of meth labs and drug dealers county law enforcement has put out of business.

“We’ve really been rolling, lately,” said Itawamba County Sheriff Chris Dickinson. “We’ve had to put in a lot of hours, but we’ve got a good team of narcotics agents and deputies.”

Deputies arrested Jamie R. Crabb, 34, of 165 Crabb Road, Baldwin, on March 27 and charged him with both the possession of and attempt to manufacture crystal methamphetamine.

During an initial appearance before Justice Court Judge Gerald Wallace, Crabb was issued a bond in the amount of $10,000. He is currently out of jail and awaiting his appearance before the next meeting of the Itawamba County Grand Jury.

According to Dickinson, Crabb’s arrest was the culmination of a two-year investigation.

“We had been close to him two or three times in the past but just couldn’t get the final puzzle pieces to fit,” the sheriff said.

Dickinson said the suspect was screwing the caps on two shake and bake meth labs when the police raided his home.

Making an arrest in such a prolonged investigation is extremely satisfying, the sheriff commented.

“A lot of cases you have require a lot of manhours to make these arrests,” he said, touting the county’s deputies’ willingness to put forth the extra effort to make such arrests possible.

“They work as long as it takes, and it pays off. I’m proud of them,” he said.

Corey Lee Raines, 19, of 134 Moore Lane, Fulton, was arrested on April 2 and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of alprazolam with intent to sell and possession of hydrocodone with intent to sell.

During his initial court appearance, Raines was issued a bond in the amount of $15,000. He is currently out jail awaiting his appearance before the Itawamba County Grand Jury.

According to Dickinson, Raines was arrested during a safety checkpoint on John Rankin Highway conducted by deputy Terry Johnson. After stopping Raines’ vehicle, Johnson reportedly discovered a bottle of Xanax (alprazolam) on the floorboard, and marijuana and hydrocodone under the driver’s seat.

After being read his Miranda Rights, Raines’ reportedly admitted his intent to sell the narcotics to an undercover agent.

Arley Ray Reed, 38, and Tina Marie Hickman, 33, both of 1063 Walker Church Road, Golden, were arrested on April 2 and charged with the intent to manufacture crystal methamphetamine.

Both Hickman and Reed are currently being held in the Itawamba County Jail.

Dickinson said both suspects were arrested on the same charges less than a month ago and were out of jail on bond when they were picked up again.

David Allen Westmoreland, 31, of 1654 Barrett Road, Fulton, and Jacqueline Renee Pitts, 27, of 124 County Road 1069, Tupelo, were arrested on April 3 and charged with attempt to manufacture crystal methamphetamine. Both are currently being held in the Itawamba County Jail.

According to Dickinson, deputies discovered a meth lab in Westmoreland’s home after responding to a domestic disturbance call made by Pitts. The sheriff said the couple were fighting when she called the police.

Adam Armour can be reached at 862-3141, by e-mailing adam.armour@itawamba360.com or by visiting his blog at itawamba360.com.