Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Columbia Police have arrested five people for allegedly setting up meth labs in two different hotel rooms.
According to officials, the first meth lab was uncovered at the Studio Plus Hotel located on 180 Stoneridge Drive after police received a CrimeStoppers tip.
Officers say when they approached the room at the Studio Plus Hotel, they could smell a strong chemical-like substance. Officers say they entered the room and saw drug paraphernalia and suspected that meth was cooking in a plastic bottle.
CPD Narcotics Officers tested the liquid and determined it was methamphetamine.
Police arrested 33-year old Cody Hobirk of Lexington, 25-year old Ashley Ellett of Lexington and 25-year old Krista Suchy of Florida. All three suspects have been charged with:
- Manufacturing Methamphetamine
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Possession of Heroin
- Possession of Schedule IV Substance
- Simple Possession of Marijuana
During this drug bust, officers say they were given additional information that another meth lab was set up inside a hotel room at Extended Stay America at 450 Gracern Road.
When officers entered that room they say they also found meth cooking inside a plastic bottle.
Officers arrested 45-year old Robin Gleaton and 22-year old Dalton Howard.
Gleaton and Howard have been charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine. Howard is also charged with providing false information to police after he attempted to give a fake name at the time of his arrest.
SLED was called in to assist in cleaning up the meth labs.
Columbia Police believe both of these incidents are connected.
All suspects will be transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.