Officers Bust Meth Lab in Leesville, One Suspect Sought

A 38-year-old woman was arrested after officers with the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team seized a clandestine meth lab they say she operated at a home near Leesville.

Officers arrested Amanda Axson Lee, 38, of 319 Sugar Bottom Road, Leesville, on Wednesday on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine.

Lexington County Sheriff James Metts said NET officers received information that the meth lab was being operated at the Sugar Bottom Road home.

Officers went to the home around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and when searching the home’s attic they found two quart-sized mason jars that contained a clear liquid and one bottle of liquid fire, Metts said.

The two mason jars contained methamphetamine oil, officers said. 

A plastic bag containing a white powder that’s consistent with methamphetamine was found in a dresser drawer in the home’s master bedroom, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

NET officers are still looking for Daniel Wilson Hartley, 37, of 319 Sugar Bottom Road, Leesville.

Hartley is wanted on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine.

Officers say Hartley, who wasn’t at the Sugar Bottom Road home when the meth lab was seized, lives at the home with Lee, who is his girlfriend.

Hartley is 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 160 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Lee was being held Thursday at the Lexington County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.

Metts asked anyone with information about illegal drug activity in Lexington County to call the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 785-8230 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.