Magnolia Man Arrested in Meth Lab Operation

Magnolia, DE - The Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit has arrested a Magnolia man after the culmination of a three month investigation into the manufacturing of Methamphetamine (Meth) at a residence on Millchop Lane, Magnolia.

On Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at approximately 11:15 a.m., the Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Task Force (DTF) with the assistance of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force, Troop 3 patrol and (DNREC) responded to 339 Millchop Lane, Magnolia, De., in order to conduct a search warrant in response to an on-going investigation into the manufacturing of meth at this residence. Upon arrival Ronald L. Hawkins, 30 of Magnolia, was observed in a shed on the property acting suspicious. A short time later, he left the residence and responded to the area of Walmart Camden, DE where Troopers contacted him and found key ingredients used to manufacture meth, were located in the vehicle. Hawkins was taken into custody. At that time, the search warrant was executed at the residence. Upon conducting a search of the property, detectives located equipment and component mixtures of the manufacturing stages of Meth along with key ingredients in making the drug, Methamphetamine. The evidence was collected and hazardous materials removed by DNREC. During the removal of the bottles, one ignited into flames. There were three small children at the residence and the Division of Family Resources responded to the scene. The children were turned over to a family member. There were no injuries.

Ronald L. Hawkins was transported to Troop 3 in Camden where he was processed and charged with Operating a Clandestine Lab, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was remanded to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $20,000.00 cash bond and ordered to have no contact with the children present in the residence. (photo attached)

No evacuations were ordered as it was determined that there was no immediate hazard to nearby residents.