Saraland PD: home had 12 shake and bake meth labs

SARALAND, Ala. (WALA) - The Saraland Police Narcotics Unit raided a home on Leon Street Thursday and discovered 12 "shake and bake" style meth labs.

A woman living at the home, Lesli Blackwell, was later arrested. Police continue to search for Joel Johnson, who was also living at the home.

An investigation led narcotics officers to the house Thursday, November 8 which is almost directly across the street from the Saraland Police Department.

Authorities said no one was home when officers knocked to serve the warrant, so they burst in and uncovered meth making equipment, paraphernalia and chemicals.

“At about 8:45 that morning, I heard a loud boom. And I looked outside my house, and I saw smoke everywhere and the SWAT team out in front,” said Amber Wilson, who lives across the street.

Blackwell’s charged with trafficking methamphetamine, distribution of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“I was just totally floored that this was happening in my neighborhood, literally right across the street,” said Wilson.

Wilson said she attended middle school with Blackwell, and the two had become neighborly during the past year.

“She was just over here, hadn't really seen her much up to that. And then the following Thursday I see the SWAT team outside my house, and it kind of scared me and my family,” said Wilson.

Blackwell's family was at the Leon Street home Tuesday. They had no comment.  

Call Saraland Police if you have any information about this case.