The Mississippi Department of Corrections requested the assistance of Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators to inspect the residence of a parolee on June 14.

“During the inspection, several items were found across the property showing that the suspects had been manufacturing methamphetamine,” Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier said.

“Several precursor items were found,” he said, “and old meth cooks (labs).”

Joshua L. Smith, 28, John K. Whitney, 24, and Shannon E. Willis, 32, were all present at the residence during the inspection and were arrested.

They each were charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of precursor chemicals and generating hazardous waste, said Saucier.

Joshua Smith and John Whitney were each on probation at the time of the arrests and the Mississippi Department of Corrections has paced holds on them both.

They are being held at the Pearl River County Correctional Facility awaiting a revocation hearing before a judge.

A fourth suspect, Kent J. Smith, 27, was not present at the residence at the time of the inspection, said Saucier.

Smith is wanted by the Mississippi Department of Corrections for parole violation and is wanted by the Sheriff’s Office for manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of precursor chemicals and generating hazardous waste.