Sheriff Martin Pace provides update on suspects involved in meth lab raid in Warren County

Two suspects who were involved in Tuesday’s raid on a methamphetamine production operation in Warren County were given an initial appearance in court Wednesday morning.

Resident Richard Anthony Jordan Courtier (AJ) (Photo by David Day)

Resident Richard Anthony Jordan Courtier (AJ), 32, was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of fentanyl. Mr. Courtier also was found to have an outstanding warrant out of the state of Louisiana for vehicle and ID theft. He was found to have already been out on bond for another charge. He was denied bond by Judge James Jefferson in Warren County Justice Court.

Linda Courtier (Photo by David Day)

Linda Courtier, 73, was charged with hindering prosecution and was given a $3,000 bond.

On Tuesday morning, local units with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by an agent from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Clear Creek Drive.

“We located, dismantled and destroyed a meth lab and also seized some finished product,” said Sheriff Pace. “We also seized a vial containing several milliliters of liquid fentanyl.”

Pace went on to say that a “powder product” was recovered which was used to make counterfeit pills.

“They use a powder binder and then put a small amount liquid fentanyl and they are selling it as counterfeit pain pills, such as Lortab and Narcos,” said Sheriff Pace.

According to Sheriff Pace, since there is no quality control on these products, one pill may not be enough to kill a person, but the next pill may have slightly more fentanyl and prove to be lethal.

Vicksburg Fire Department Deputy Chief Trey Martin provided an ambulance on standby near the location to aid authorities if needed.

“We knew we were going into an environment that had not only all the precursor chemicals of methamphetamine but also the possibility of fentanyl, either one of which, certain contact, including contact with the skin or inhalation, can be fatal,” said Sheriff Pace

Sheriff’s Detective Jeff Meritt is leading the investigation. Several other county investigators and an agent with MBN are assisting.