City of Fernandina Beach Press Release
Submitted by James T. Hurley, Chief of Police
DOB 07-09-1970
Fernandina Beach police officers observed the lights on after normal business hours last Friday night, which prompted a property check at a local pest control business on South 8th Street.
While checking the perimeter of the business officers located several items commonly used during the manufacture of methamphetamine. These items appeared to be consistent with a “one pot” methamphetamine lab operation, although these items had been recently used and were being emptied into a trash can outside the business.
Thomas Oliver Garcia was located inside the business and told officers that he had been asked by the owner of the company and an employee to clean-up and remove some old items from the business. Garcia admitted to removing the methamphetamine manufacturing items from within the business and said he placed them in a garbage can outside. Garcia further advised that a friend had left the items at the business. Garcia was found to be in possession of several grams of methamphetamine, as well as a digital scale, which is commonly used to weigh narcotics.
The owner of the company responded to the scene and advised that she did not know Garcia, nor did she authorize him to remove any items from her business.
Garcia was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of listed chemicals, and drug paraphernalia.
This is an on-going investigation.
September 16, 2013 5:04 p.m.