http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pb.../50622041/1009
WNC men accused of helping make meth
FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
published: June 23, 2005 6:00 am
ASHEVILLE — Two Rutherford County convenience store workers have been arraigned on a federal charge of selling massive quantities of household matches containing a key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Niren Patel of Spindale and Neal Suthar of Rutherfordton were indicted earlier this month and arrested Tuesday.
Each man was released on bond Tuesday after making an initial appearance before a federal magistrate in Asheville.
Patel, 29, worked at the Oakland Quik Stop in Spindale; Suthar, 30, was employed at the BonBon No. 2 store in Rutherfordton, the government said.
Each is charged with distributing materials which may be used to manufacture a controlled substance with reasonable cause to believe the materials would be used for that purpose.
If convicted, the charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Rutherford County ranks second in the state for the number of meth labs uncovered by authorities. McDowell County ranks first, according to State Bureau of Investigation statistics.
It is believed to be the first time such a charge has been brought in Western North Carolina during the region’s evolving battle against methamphetamine manufacturers.
“Those who facilitate meth manufacture are on notice: The United States Attorney’s office intends to use applicable federal statutes to address criminal activity,” Gretchen Shappert, U.S. attorney for the state’s western district, said in a statement.
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