Tip leads police to North Chase meth lab

Two people are behind bars after deputies discovered what appeared to be a mobile methamphetamine lab.

A tip led New Hanover County deputies to the North Chase Apartments on Friday, and the residents in this seemingly quiet neighborhood still can’t believe it.

Susan McCarley, who lives in North Chase, said, “I’ve been out here three-and-a-half years and we have never had any trouble. I have seen these people coming and going, and had no idea what was going on down there.”

Michelle and Ambrose Perry of Wilmington are in jail after being charged with five counts of possession and the manufacturing of meth.

Deputies responded to the North Chase neighborhood and pulled over the suspects after receiving a tip. Deputies found chemicals and equipment to make methamphetamines in their car and in their apartment.

Johnna Celli, another North Chase resident added, “We were all very shocked. You would have never thought it, you really would never have.”

Deputies seized materials out of the Perrys’ apartment and secured the scene Friday afternoon.

Michelle and Ambrose Perry are both in the New Hanover County Jail under a $150,000 secured bond. Police told WWAY that Ambrose Perry is also wanted on drug charges in Missouri.