The Hawkins County Sheriff’s narcotics officers have been conducting an ongoing narcotics investigation pertaining to the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

During the investigation, narcotics officers utilized the Tennessee Methamphetamine and Pharmaceutical Pseudoephedrine Purchase Database as well as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEX) database to determine Brandon Howe Ramey, 21, of Mount Caramel, Tenn. had been making frequent and suspicious purchases of pseudoephedrine.

Pseudoephedrine is the main precursor and a necessary ingredient in the manufacturing process of methamphetamine.

On Saturday, sheriff’s narcotics officers made contact with Ramey in reference to his frequent pseudoephedrine purchases. Throughout further investigation, it was determined that Ramey had been purchasing pseudoephedrine for approximately two years, which he purchased and provided for the sole purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine.

Ramey was placed in custody on the below listed charge, and he is currently lodged in the Hawkins County Jail under a $75,000.00 bond. Ramey is scheduled for a Monday court date.

The investigation is ongoing and additional defendants are possible.