Randy Travis’ Brother Accused Of Trafficking Meth

The brother of ailing country singer Randy Travis, 54, born Randy Bruce Traywick, was arrested Tuesday and charged with trafficking meth.

Randy Travis was hospitalized recently for heart problems stemming from non-drug and alcohol related cardiomyopathy, and suffered a subsequent stroke. He has since underwent and responded well to life-saving surgery and has been recovering in a Texas hospital.

His younger brother however, David Brownlow Traywick, 50, of North Carolina, is due to appear in Union County District Court on Wednesday. He is being held on $500,000 secured bond following his arrest on suspicion for trafficking meth, reports NBC News.

Traywick’s wife Jessica and at least one other woman were also arrested after investigators allegedly found a working meth lab inside Traywick’s home.

According to the sheriff’s office, Christina Marie Stegall, 30, was taken into custody during the search. She faces the same charges and is being held under $250,000 bond, reports the Charlotte Observer.

Methamphetamine is a psychoactive drug, and is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. Because methamphetamine is highly abused and leads to overdosing, it is a tightly controlled substance under federal law.

The abuse of methamphetamines has risen exponentially in the last decade, especially because the materials to make it are readily available in drug stores and online. Therefore, drug makers can establish meth labs inside their homes.

Residential meth labs are extremely dangerous given the volatility of the chemicals used in the cooking process. Meth can be made in small batches inside a basement, garage, storage space, bathroom or bedroom in just a few mere hours. Some clandestine meth labs have also been found inside cars.

The dangers associated with domestic meth labs include explosions as the process can call for the use of ammonia and fertilizers. There is also the risk of pollution, contamination, and the short and long term health effects on residents, children, and law enforcement personnel.

Exposure – either by inhalation or physical contact – to the meth-making chemicals can result in serious illnesses. Methamphetamine contamination can persist over days, weeks, months, even years where meth has been cooked; tainting furnishings, floors, and walls.

Trafficking meth is a serious offense. Depending on the quantity and circumstances surrounding the charges, a first time offender who is found guilty on the federal charge of trafficking meth can face up to 20 years in prison and $1 million in fines individually, according to the DEA. Repeat offenders can see up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $2 million.

[Image via Wikicommons – Crystal Meth/Mugshot]