A small fire was spotted by Ashdown police during a recent patrol next to a fuel and oil business, and the officers discovered a man who was allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine, said Ashdown Police Chief Mark Ardwin.
As a result, Curtis Denton, 33, was charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
Denton has been scheduled to have his first appearance in the Little River County Circuit Court Tuesday, said Ardwin. He posted bond and was released from the county jail.
Officers were patrolling about 11:15 p.m. Aug. 22 near the Red River Oil Company on the west side of Ashdown and noticed a small fire next to the storage building.
The officers identified the man near the fire as Denton.
"Denton was sweating profusely and told officers he was playing with a smoke bomb. Denton also stated he was doing inventory on the merchandise inside the building," said Ardwin.
While talking to Denton officers smelled a "strong odor of ammonia," he said.
The officers found items used for manufacturing methamphetamine, and Denton was allegedly making methamphetamine.
The South Central Drug Task Force was contacted to help process the lab.
"The fire outside the shop that officers spotted was the suspect burning battery packing. Some batteries contain materials commonly used in methamphetamine production. A chemical fire or explosion in that building would have been devastating to the west side of town," said Ardwin.