Five arrested on meth-related charges

COLUMBIA — Police uncovered a methamphetamine production operation Friday night and made multiple drug-related arrests on East Mount Zion Church Road in Hallsville, northeast of Columbia.

Two suspects were arrested on charges of production, and three others were arrested on charges of possession of the illegal substance, according to a news release from the Boone County Sheriff's Department.

Westly Shawn Coleman, 34, and Stacy Jo Coleman, 30, both of Hallsville, were arrested on charges of manufacturing a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child. Two children under the age of 5 were in the residence at the time of the arrest, according to the release.   

At two other homes on the road, Arlie David Nole, 54, and Charles Henry Nole, 58, both of Hallsville, as well as Jennifer Patricia Pirtle, 39, of Columbia were arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, according to the release.

As of 2:30 p.m. Saturday, only Westly Coleman remained in custody at the Boone County Jail, Officer Dave Provorse said. The others were released on bond Friday after the arrests.

The arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation into a methamphetamine production organization in and around Boone County.