OXNARD : Man Arrested Over Drug Lab in Garage

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of manufacturing methamphetamine in an Oxnard garage.

James Hatchard, 25, was also arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possessing the drug, a synthetic stimulant, for sale. His wife, Deanne, was arrested on outstanding traffic warrants, officials said.

Police had been investigating the case since last month when they were alerted by an anonymous telephone caller to the possibility of a lab at the house in the 4800 block of Refsing Drive, said Oxnard Police Detective Bob Coughlin.

The department’s SWAT team surrounded the house and secured it at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Coughlin said.

A search warrant was executed, and police discovered a small lab along with the chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, a synthetic stimulant, in a detached garage, Coughlin said.

Between one and two ounces of methamphetamine--worth between $1,000 and $2,000--was seized, Coughlin said, adding an undetermined amount in various stages of completion was also found.

The Police Department was assisted by the Department of Justice, the state Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Coughlin said.