Police Find Meth Labs in 2 Local Hotels

Columbia Police arrested five people Sunday after finding meth labs in two hotel rooms near St. Andrews. 

Officers found the first meth lab inside Studio Plus Hotel at 180 Stoneridge Drive.

Cody Lee Hobirk, 33, Ashley Renee Ellett, 25, and Krista Marie Suchy, 25, were arrested and charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of heroin, possession of a schedule IV substance and simple possession of marijuana.

Investigators believe Hobirk and Ellett are from Lexington County. Suchy had a Florida driver’s license.

Officers discovered the lab after receiving at tip from Crimestoppers.

As they approached the room, they could smell a strong odor of a chemical-like substance, according to a press release. Once inside the room, they saw drug paraphernalia and suspected meth cooking in a plastic bottle.

Officers evacuated adjacent rooms as a precautionary measure.

CPD Narcotics Officers arrived and field tested the liquid in the bottle as methamphetamine. 

While that drug bust was happening, officers gained additional information about another suspected meth lab inside Extended Stay America at 450 Gracern Road.

Robin Ann Gleaton, 45, and Dalton Justin Howard, 22, are charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. The mother and son are from Lexington County. 

Officer also smelled a strong odor near this room and found meth cooking inside a plastic bottle, according to the release. 

Police believe the incidents are related. 

All five people are being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.