The purchase of lye and other items led to a man's arrest for operating a methamphetamine lab, according to the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office.

Neighbors living near the Northside Drive East apartment told investigators they had smelled odd odors during the previous days, which were likely the result of a meth lab operated by Danny Ray Berry, 39, who also is listed as having an address of Huggins Crossing Road in Brooklet, Sheriff Lynn Anderson said.

Wednesday, Bulloch County Drug Suppression Team investigators "received information that a white male, later identified as Danny Ray Berry, was in the process of purchasing components used to manufacture methamphetamine, specifically lye," Anderson said.

Investigators set up surveillance and were able to conduct a traffic stop on Berry's vehicle on Northside Drive East at Zetterower Avenue, the sheriff said.

After further investigation and discovery of evidence, drug agents searched Berry's apartment in the 300 block of Northside Drive East and found a meth lab.

"Other tenants of the building reported smelling strange odors in the area in past days, presumably from the meth manufacturing," Anderson said.

Berry was charged with criminal attempt to
manufacture methamphetamine, unlawful possession of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, criminal attempt to manufacture methamphetamine within 1,000 feet
of a school zone (Statesboro High School) and probation violation. He taken to the Bulloch County Jail, Anderson said, where he is being held without bond pending further judicial action.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.