A dozen people were arrested in two neighboring Chautauqua County towns for methamphetamine just a day apart.
The first three arrests happened at a building on West Main Street in Brocton. Deputies raided an apartment in the building around noon on Wednesday after residents complained of noxious fumes causing breathing problems.
Fuel, meth, lab equipment and more was seized. Ashley Muscato, 25; Neale Brown, 24; and Ashley Guest, 21; were all arrested and charged with third degree unlawful manufacture of meth, unlawful disposal of meth lab materials, seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.
The following day, around 4pm on West Fourth Street in Dunkirk, nine people were arrested in a raid. Police say this was a coordinated effort with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force into an investigation into the manufacturing and sale of meth.
Eight people inside the home were arrested. All are charged with third degree unlawful manufacture of meth and some are facing additional charges. Those arrested include: Frederick Gutekunst, 24; Robert Kaczor Sr., 45; Wendy Kaczor, 44; Robert Kaczor Jr., 21; Sean Korzenski, 22; Sean Henry, 36; Aron Sikes, 22; and Shelby Esperson, 19.
Also arrested was Brian Lidlow, 34, who police say showed up at the home while officers were there. Lidlow was wanted on outstanding warrants in Fredonia and Orchard Park.
Photos of those arrested in Dunkirk were unavailable.
