The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office seizes its third clandestine methamphetamine lab in 2026.

 

Last Thursday, March 9, deputies from Cherokee County along with the Galena Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation served a search warrant on a residence on East 24th Street in Galena. During the search, law enforcement found evidence associated with manufacturing and possession of methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia, and items identified as stolen property. Four men were arrested at the scene. They have been identified as 41-year-old Danny Watkins and 58-year-old Doug Ashley of Galena; and 51-year-old Kevin Poindexter and 49-year-old Stanley Watkins, both of Joplin. The case remains an open investigation and additional arrests and charges are expected.

 

In addition to the three labs seized this year, Cherokee County Detectives have also served eight narcotic search warrants in the last month.

 

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information or with concerns about illegal drug activity to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 429-3992.