FLORIDA — Two men were arrested Thursday after deputies discovered a fully operational methamphetamine lab inside a Santa Rosa Beach home.
Investigators said residents on Central 7th Street had reported suspicious activity at the home for some time before deputies executed a search warrant at 56 Central 7th Street.
During the search, deputies allegedly found about 54 grams of methamphetamine belonging to Billy Simmons II, 54, of DeFuniak Springs.
Authorities also discovered a fully operational meth lab in an upstairs bedroom along with multiple containers of suspected methamphetamine oil totaling approximately 590 grams.
Investigators said the meth lab was located in a room belonging to 63-year-old William Gay, who arrived at the scene while deputies were still conducting the investigation.
Gay was charged with trafficking methamphetamine of 200 grams or more and manufacturing methamphetamine. Authorities said the charges carry a minimum prison sentence of 25 years.
Simmons was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and faces a minimum sentence of seven years, according to investigators.
Both men were transported to the Walton County Jail. Deputies said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
