Meth Lab busted in Zephyrhills, bonds over $100,000!

Methamphetamine Lab, 4204 Transue Drive, Zephyrhills

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics detectives, road patrol deputies and officers from the multi-agency High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force have been conducting an investigation into the narcotics activity being orchestrated by Zephyrhills resident Joel Gale, 45. During the investigation, an undercover purchase of more than 14 grams of methamphetamine was conducted with Gale and another subject (whose arrest is pending). A search warrant was obtained for 3946 Mendota Lane and was executed last night with the assistance of Pasco deputies in the SWAT, STAR, and District 2 Patrol units. During the subsequent search of the home, trace amounts of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were located. This resulted in the arrest of resident Donald Monk, 35, who is an associate of Gale.

A knock and talk was then conducted at 4204 Transue Drive (again with the assistance of the aforementioned units) where Gale was located and arrested for charges stemming from the purchase. During a search, 13 grams of methamphetamine was located which resulted in Gale being charged with possession of methamphetamine. An inactive methamphetamine lab was also located in the residence. The investigation of this lab is ongoing.

Gale was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession/selling meth within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, and booked into the Land O’ Lakes Detention center on $100,000 total bond.

Monk was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia and booked on a total of $5,300 bond.

Gale was also recently arrested for “AGG ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON”, see the arrest details click here.

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