A self-professed large-scale maker of methamphetamine is behind bars following his arrest that stemmed from a joint investigation by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics team and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Drug Suppression Unit.

CNT arrested 34-year-old Danny Austin Thornton and 22-year-old Megan Maria Thomas of Pooler on Monday. Following a joint two-month long investigation with the Effingham County Sherriff’s Office Drug Suppression Unit, CNT agents, working in an undercover capacity, conducted a drug transaction with Thornton.

Early Monday, agents met with Thornton, who exchanged pseudoephedrine pills for meth. After the transaction was completed, agents followed Thornton and eventually had Thornton’s vehicle stopped on Ogeechee Road. A search of Thornton’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of additional meth and syringes.

CNT agents searched his home on East 49th Street. During the search, two active meth labs, a large amount of meth and a handgun were found. In addition to the active meth labs, evidence of numerous prior meth labs was discovered and found discarded in the trash located both inside and outside of the residence.

During an interview with Thornton, he bragged to agents he was “the biggest meth cook around,” according to CNT reports. While at the residence, Thomas, a known associate of Thornton, came to the residence to visit Thornton, unaware what was going on.