ST. LOUIS, MO (KMOX) -  Multiple law enforcement agencies fanned out across Franklin and Jefferson counties Wednesday rounding up twenty-one individuals suspected of being part of a methamphetamine manufacturing and distributing network operating from 2009 to 2011.

The charges are part of an indictment that was returned on May 16, 2012, but remained sealed until Wednesday afternoon.

“The arrest of these individuals signals our Agency’s continuing commitment to eliminate the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, a problem which plagues many of our rural counties and poses a serious health risk to both the individual user as well as our environment.” said James Shroba, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA St. Louis Division

Sergeant Jason Grellner, Franklin County Narcotics Unit added, “The charges alleged in this case highlights the continuing problem of clandestine laboratories in Missouri.”  Grellner went on to thank State and local law enforcement, the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their investigation and prosecution of this case.

Grellner tells KMOX the suspects were tracked down buying the pseudoephedrine needed to make meth in Kirkwood, where they don’t need a prescription, “These individuals were no longer able to buy pseudoephedrine in Franklin, Jefferson, or even St. Charles Counties and these criminals were being found, and assistance in this case came from Kirkwood PD, because these individuals were shopping in that area.”

Grellner says with tens of thousands of meth makers out there even a bust this big won’t have much of an impact on the drug’s availability and use.

Arrested were:

Jerry A. Hendrickson, 27, Franklin County, MO;

Jerry M. Walling, 48, Catawissa, MO;

Jason S. Sparks, 32, Villa Ridge, MO;

Dale M. Harris, 44, Pacific, MO;

Ethan M. Lepinski, 47, Pacific, MO;

William L. McKinney, 21, Pacific, MO;

Elaine M. Scroggs, 23, Pacific, MO;

Miranda J. Everhart, 21, Pacific, MO;

Aaron A. Lyerla, 33, Arnold, MO;

Larry R. Collier, 40, St. Clair, MO;

Tammy L. Busch, 41, Pacific, MO;

Andrea R. Dowling, 28, Villa Ridge, MO;

Michael S. Pich, 32, Villa Ridge, MO;

Michelle A. Sizemore, 37, Fenton, MO;

Ann L. Matchell, 47, Labadie, MO;

Shelly M. Peterman, 42, Villa Ridge, MO;

Douglas E. Hughes, 29, Pacific, MO;

Amy N. Bueker, 25, Pacific, MO;

Sarah A. Matchell, 23, Labadie, MO;

Eric E. Lyerla, 37, Pacific, MO;

Angela J. Holley, 33, Arnold, MO.

The defendants are facing penailities that could  range from  five to 40 years in prison.