K-9 unit assists in meth search and seizure

            The Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office, K-9 unit, Southeast Iowa Drug Task Force and Iowa State Patrol executed a search warrant on January 25 in Hedrick, seizing an unspecified amount of product meth and material for production of meth.

            Virgel Johnston Jr, Clarence and Dove Dickerson are charged with conspiracy to manufacture more than five grams of methamphetamine, a Class B Felony punishable up to 25 years in prison according to Iowa Code 902.9. Clarence Dickerson is also charged with two Possession of a Precursor charges for Lithium Metal and Pseudoephedrine, both Class D Felony punishable up to five years and a fine ranging from $750-$7,500.

            A search warrant was executed on the accused’s residency in Hedrick, where 49 boxes of pseudoephedrine, lithium batteries, sodium hydroxide an HCI generator, camp fuel, muriatic acid, vinyl tubing, coffee filters and finished produce methamphetamine were seized. The scene is currently under investigation. All criminal charges are accusations and the accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.