Published: May 07, 2009 10:35 pm      

DEU arrests man for manufacturing drugs

Henderson County Drug Enforcement Unit Investigators arrested a man on Wednesday.

Richard Duane Riggs, 48, was booked into the Henderson County Jail for manufacture a controlled substance, with intent to deliver (200-400 grams).

The investigators continue to comb the Cedar Creek Lake area for methamphetamine manufacturers.

The charge is a first degree felony, which carries a possible sentence of 5 to 99 years, upon conviction.

Sheriff’s department reports stated DEU investigators Ronny Halbert, David Faught and Darrell Waller responded to a complaint of drug activity at a residence west of Seven Points.

Investigators went to the residence and spoke with the owner, Riggs. He granted the officers written consent to search the property.

Investigators found a large quantity of methamphetamine that was in the process of being manufactured.

They also found containers whose contents tested positive for the presence of ammonia and hydrochloric acid, both commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Riggs was arrested on site and transported to the Henderson County Jail, where he was held without bond Thursday.

Reports stated the DEU was assisted by Van Zandt County Drug Task Force Investigators Rusty Grimes and James Bradshaw, along with the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office.

The DEU and other law enforcement agencies in the county have stepped-up their investigation of illegal drug activity in 2009.

A Henderson County Grand Jury that met May 5, returned 74 true bills of which at least 36 were drug related offenses.