On Saturday around 5:30 p.m., Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics detectives went to 2324 Juniper Lane, Deep Run in regards to a drug complaint. Detectives made contact with Eric Phillip Harper, 23, and advised him of the narcotics complaint they had received. Harper cooperated with detectives by consenting to a search of his residence.
While searching the residence, detectives saw numerous items that led them to believe there was an active meth lab within the home. Investigators discovered drug scales for weighing illegal narcotics and methamphetamine.
Detectives immediately exited the residence pursuant to meth lab discovery protocol.
Narcotics detectives immediately requested assistance from the Deep Run Fire Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Meth Lab Response Team..
“One of our specially trained narcotics detectives re-entered the residence and collected numerous pieces of evidence, including bottles used to produce meth," Hill said. "This bottle contained a hazardous by-product of meth production. The detective also found lye, salt, batteries - all of which are used in the production of meth.”
"We have to credit the citizens who notified us," Hill said. "We cannot eliminate this type of criminal activity without their assistance.”
Harper has been charged with maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine precursors. Harper is being held at the Lenoir County Detention Center under a $130,000 secured bond.