DEA AND WCSO MAKE ARREST IN LARGE SCALE METH OPERATION

Perdue Mug Shot
Perdue

DeFuniak Springs, Fla— A major player in the sale and manufacturing of methamphetamine in Walton County is behind bars following an investigation by members of Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration Panama City Resident Office.

Since July of 2015 an investigation has been ongoing into the drug trafficking activities of Kord Ashdon Perdue, 24, of DeFuniak Springs. Over the past week a DEA special agent acting in an undercover capacity negotiated the sale of one pound of crystal methamphetamine with Perdue who wanted to purchase the amount for $10,000. Numerous telephone calls were recorded between the two parties setting up the transaction.

VANERECKEN
VANERECKEN

On Wednesday May 25th a meeting was arranged between Perdue and a DEA Task Force Officer acting in an undercover capacity as the drug courier. The two decided to meet at Walmart in DeFuniak Springs to facilitate the transaction. Perdue produced the $10,000 to the undercover agent and the agent told Perdue he would go to the motel to get the crystal meth. Agents with the DEA then approached and arrested Perdue without incident.

Subsequently, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at Perdue’s residence, 132 Perdue Road. During the search investigators located approximately 400g of methamphetamine oil, a number of items used to manufacture meth, bags of marijuana packaged for sale, and drug paraphernalia. A female juvenile, Hannah Vanerecken, was also inside the home. In addition, a 20 month old child was also present. The bottles containing chemicals used to make methamphetamine and the actively cooking product were all in possible reach of the child.

Perdue was arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, and one count of producing methamphetamine, child neglect without great bodily harm, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia.

“We were glad to put the hammer down on this guy,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “He is exactly where he needs to be.”

Vanerecken, 17, was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia after a search of her person revealed three syringes and a small baggie of methamphetamine.

(News Release, For Immediate Release per WCSO, May 26, 2016. Not edited for form or content.)