Police nab couple accused of making meth

An Aiken couple sought by deputies since late last week on allegations they had been manufacturing and trafficking methamphetamine at their Bath property were found hiding out at a local hotel Wednesday evening and taken into custody.

David Blanken Sr., 44, of 23 Bay St. in Bath, is charged with trafficking methamphetamine and manufacture, distribution of methamphetamine first offense.

Mary Catherine Washington-Blanken, 39, of 23 Bay St. in Bath, is charged with trafficking methamphetamine and manufacture, distribution of methamphetamine first offense.

A caller tipped Aiken County Sheriff's Office deputies to the couple's whereabouts after Sgt. Dave Myers, a sheriff's office spokesperson, released photos of the two Friday afternoon, requesting help from the public locating the two.

Deputies were told that the two were staying at the Foxfire Motel, 4638 Jefferson Davis Highway in Beech Island.

As a result of the tip, deputies were able to locate them.

The discovery of the meth lab occurred on Oct. 28 at 25 Bay St. in Bath. The lab was in a trailer on the property where the two were living, according to reports.

Deputies came across the working lab while investigating a possible burglary in Bath the evening of Oct. 28.

A deputy reported taking one step inside the mobile home on Bay Street and immediately smelled a paint thinner-type odor and walked into a white smoky fog. The deputy saw two hot plates with glass beakers and a number of chemical containers nearby.

The evidence is consistent with making meth, deputies said.

The deputy immediately left and notified investigators and the narcotics division to respond to the lab.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.