Clandestine Meth Lab Busted | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release

   On April 24, 2013, Investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit arrested Malcom McRae Bunch, age 28, of 4829 Hwy 17 S in Chocowinity, David Aksel Bunch, age 23, of 4829 Hwy 17 S in Chocowinity and Benjamin Royce Brooks Woolard, age 28, of 130 Soceola Drive in Greenville.

    Their arrests stemmed from Investigators responding to Malcolm and David Bunch’s residence on Hwy 17 to assist the Department of Community Corrections in investigating controlled substance violations. An Officer with the Department of Community Corrections was conducting a home visit on Aksel Bunch and witnessed marijuana and drug paraphernalia in plain view at the residence.

    Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit responded to the scene and conducted a search of the residence. As a result of the search Investigators located several bottles containing chemicals to include: Methylene Chloride, Diethylamene, Formaldehyde, Sulfuric Acid and Chloroform. Investigators also located glass lab equipment including a condenser, which is associated with a Clandestine Lab and the manufacture of illicit controlled substances. A search warrant was obtained for the residence and the SBI Clandestine Lab Unit came in to process the scene. The evidence located at the residence was discovered to be used for the manufacture of MDMA (Ecstasy). Investigators also seized quantities of prescription pain medication, marijuana and an indoor marijuana grow room at the residence. As a result of the search Investigators also seized six rifles, four handguns and several homemade suppressors.



    As a result, Malcom Bunch was charged with Manufacture MDMA, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Schedule II and Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Manufacture Marijuana, Possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Dwelling to Facilitate Drug Activity, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

    Malcolm Bunch was confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $65,000 secured bond. Investigators also arrested David Bunch and charged him with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule IV and Schedule III Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. David Bunch was confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $12,000 secured bond. Benjamin Brooks Woolard was arrested and charged with Possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance. Benjamin Woolard was confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $3,000 secured bond.
Meth Lab components taken into custody: Above and below.


    Lt. Josh Shiflett
      Beaufort County Sheriff's Office