PETTIS COUNTY - After members of the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force (MMDTF), Osage County Sheriff’s Office, and Linn Police Department seized approximately 161 grams of meth following an arrest in Linn on Aug. 25, the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office conducted a follow up at a quarry north of Sedalia and shut down a meth lab.

According to a release by Pettis County Sheriff Brad Anders, detectives with the drug task force and deputies discovered a methamphetamine lab and several firearms. The lab was dismantled and made safe by detectives certified in clandestine labs.

“What you are looking at here is a one-pot, or shake-and-bake lab in which smaller quantities of dextro isomer of methamphetamine, which is somewhat different than the combination of dextro and levo methamphetamine we typically see throughout not only Pettis County but the whole country,” said Anders. “These labs are dangerous and have a strong correlation with explosions, fires, and injury or death as they involve low levels of combustion within a flammable liquid contained in, typically, plastic bottles. We are very lucky to have one of the few sworn personnel trained to dismantle these labs.”

Sheriff Anders noted that deputies interviewed Joseph J. Tessmer, 46, of Sedalia, who was charged on Aug. 26 in Osage County with first-degree drug trafficking (over statutory amount) and is being held without bond at the Osage County Detention Center.

Tessmer confessed to manufacturing methamphetamine and ownership of the firearms. Charges will be forwarded to the Pettis County prosecutor for manufacturing and several firearm violations because Tessmer is not allowed to possess firearms.

Anders also said that methamphetamine labs have been significantly reduced after the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act in 2005, which moved pseudoephedrine from store shelves and limited the quantity individuals could purchase at one time.

Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham said he’s pleased the Linn arrest led to a bigger bust. “This operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of our communities,” he added. “Meth labs not only contribute to the proliferation of illegal drugs but also pose severe risks of explosions, fires, and toxic exposure. We remain committed to working with our partners to reduce the presence of methamphetamine in our region and to hold those responsible accountable. The arrest and charges against Joseph J. Tessmer demonstrate our dedication to enforcing the law and protecting our citizens from the dangers associated with drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.

“We will continue to be vigilant and proactive in our efforts to combat drug-related activities and ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” Bonham concluded.