NATCHEZ —A recent shoplifting investigation resulted in the arrest of three men involved with the manufacturing of methamphetamines.

Commander of the Metro Narcotics Unit Cliff Cox said he received a tip from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics that items shoplifted from a local retailer where similar to those formerly found at a busted meth house several months ago.

After reviewing surveillance video from the retailer Cox recognized Johnny P. Thorpe, 38, from a prior arrest.

Cox said less than week ago Thorpe was released from Adams County jail on a $100,000 bond.

Thorpe, Cox said, has been arrested for production of methamphetamines in the past and was on parole when he was sent to jail for an assault charge.

After reviewing the surveillance video Cox was able to attain an arrest warrant for Thorpe and a search warrant for the residence where he was believed to be staying.

Cox said when officers went to the residence on Wednesday night Thorpe was not there but Stephen A. Tucker, who was at the residence, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Cox said shortly after Tucker’s arrest a confidential informant told authorities where Thorpe could be located.

Thorpe and Micheal J. Dossett were located in car traveling on Martin Luther King Jr. Road.

Authorities stopped the car and arrested both men.

Thorpe authorities later learned had just swallowed what they believe to be four grams of methamphetamines and had to be taken a local hospital for treatment.

Upon questioning, Cox said, Dossett revealed the location of a county residence where authorities found evidence that methamphetamines had been manufactured and precursor chemicals to manufacture methamphetamines.