Three DeFuniak Springs residents were arrested in Covington County last week on meth-related charges after they tried to purchase pseudoephedrine at a Florala pharmacy.

The investigation began Thursday, when Florala Police Chief Sonny Bedsole received a tip that three individuals were trying to purchase the meth component. He contacted Drug Task Force Commander Mark Odom, who instructed the FPD to detain the three.

DTF agents responded, and while interviewing the suspects, learned that Jessie Clarence Straughn, 37, and his wife, Melissa Leigh Straughn, 35, had purchased pseudoephedrine for the third suspect, Wesley Franklin Gray, 36, for the manufacture of methamphetamine. All three are residents of DeFuniak Springs.

DTF agents asked for and received consent to search the subjects’ vehicle. During the search, agents located an amount of finished methamphetamine product and other paraphernalia commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

“Make no mistake: we are very serious about combating the methamphetamine problem in Covington County,” Emmett Massey, DTF prosecutor, said. “This means making all involved in this production answer for their crimes, from those supplying the ingredients, to the cooks. We also have a new weapon to help in this fight. Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia is now a felony when connected to the manufacture of methamphetamine.”

Both Jesse Clarence Straughn and Melissa Leigh Straughn were charged with unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance II and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Their total bonds were set at $300,000 each. Gray was charged with unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance II, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His total bond was set at $400,000.