Warsaw Police were called to the Super 8 Motel at about 3:16 a.m. Wednesday after three passengers in a cab failed to pay for their taxi ride. The result was the find of a methamphetamine lab.

In the early morning hours of Halloween, officers were directed to Room 224 of the Super 8 Motel by the desk clerk. When they knocked on the door they were met by one female. Once inside the room, police noted the occupants matched the descriptions given by the cab driver and the three also acknowledged that they had just arrived in a cab.

Also in the room, officers observed a large container of salt, coffee filters and bottles of drain cleaner. These items are commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and officers questioned the occupants whether there was an active lab in the room. They denied that an active lab or any methamphetamine was in the room.

For safety purposes, the room was searched and officers located Coleman fuel and cut open cold packs, all items also used in the drug manufacturing process. Due to the theft of services for the taxi cab ride and the possession of methamphetamine precursors, officers arrested the three occupants.

Those arrested were Billy J. Fairchild, 27, of Pierceton; Erika J. Nichols, 27, of Warsaw; and Jennifer S. Stanley, 40, of Warsaw.

While searching Fairchild, officer’s located finished methamphetamine product in a clear plastic baggy. Fairchild was transported to the Kosciusko County Jail and initially charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of precursors, and theft.

Nichols and Stanley were arrested and initially charged with possession of precursors and theft.

Warsaw Police later located an active “one-pot” meth labs in the motel dumpster after receiving additional information during interviews. The Indiana State Police clandestine lab team and Warsaw Police drug enforcement officers were called to clean up the scene.

All three were additionally charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a Class B felony. Additional charges may result as a part of this investigation.

Earlier in the month on Saturday, Oct. 13, Warsaw Police were called to the Days Inn in Warsaw and arrested Fairchild and Nichols on similar charges. At that time, Fairchild and Nichols were charged with Class D felonies for possession or sale of precursors after police located multiple methamphetamine manufacturing articles in a room that Stanley had rented.

Warsaw Police continue to diligently work to reduce the influence of methamphetamine in our community by aggressively pursuing those who possess, use, manufacture, or sell this dangerous drug. In Warsaw, drug tips may be called into the Warsaw Police Department at 574-372-9538.