Macon County Sheriff's deputies arrested John Lane Hackett, 39, 173 Henry Circle, RBS, and Laura Ann Robinson, 223 Gladdice Rd., Pleasant Shade, Friday December 29, during a routine drug interdiction.

Deputies Larry West, Michael Veatch, and Mark Bartley (along with canine Deputy Buzz) worked with Detectives Bennie Hudgens and Jimmy Hardin to execute the interdiction activities that resulted in the arrest of Hackett and his companion, according to officials.

Hackett was charged with the manufacture, delivery, or sale of a controlled substance, possession of schedule II, possession of drug paraphernalia, and having a prohibited weapon, according to Sheriff's Department records.

Robinson was charged with manufacture, delivery, or sale of a controlled substance,and possession of schedule II.

Evidence seized, at the time of the arrests, includes a quantity of methamphetamine crystals, estimated by deputies to have a street value of $2,000 street value. Cash, drug paraphernalia, cell phones, and a truck were also seized.

“We were doing a routine drug interdiction and traffic stop, said Deputy Larry West. A drug interdiction involves strategic attention ot locations where illegal activity is known to take place, according to the deputies.

“We first observed the occupants of the vehicle were not wearing seat belts. That alone gives us probable cause for a stop,” Deputy Michael Veatch explained. “The people in the front seat weren't arrested, but they'll be charged with violation of the seat belt law. The driver will also be cited for financial responsibility violation,” he continued.

“I recognized the guy in the back seat as someone we've arrested before,” added Detective Bennie Hudgens.

“The two suspects were riding in the back seat of the vehicle we stopped,” Deputy West explained. “They gave consent for a search, and we found a syringe on the seat where they were sitting.”

“We took the couple from the back seat back to their vehicle and they gave consent to search... that vehicle too,” Deputy West added.

“When Deputy Bartley brought Buzz on the scene, Buzz ‘indicated' [the presence of drugs] and that gave us further cause to search,” the deputy continued.

The deputies and detectives stated plans for the new year include increased drug interdiction activities.

Deputies are continuing the investigation of the case, following the arrests of Hackett and Robinson, and other charges are pending, according to Detective Jimmy Hardin.