SALEM, Ohio - Drug agents and undercover officers raided a suspected meth lab in the heart of Salem.
A tip lead Salem police to a home in the 200 block of Howard Avenue where evidence of common ingredients for making meth were found on the third floor.
Salem Police Detective Dave Talbert said they found sudafedren products, chemicals, powders, bottles and some ventilation.
Columbiana County Children Services and police found a six-month-old infant and a two-year-old inside the home on Thursday morning.
The children's mother, 24-year-old Tyia Patchen, was arrested on an outstanding theft warrant in Boardman.
Also taken into custody on theft warrants was 34-year-old Stephen Smith and 33-year-old Christopher Merighi.
Two elderly adults, who are under the care of adult protective services, were also removed from the home.
Detective Talbert says the three arrested will likely face drug charges soon.
While the lab was not active, it's believed it's been used multiple times.
"We have found evidence of approximately 20 of what we call single pot cooks," Talbert said.
Police say the discovery of a meth lab on this block is the first of its kind in town, but they acknowledge that this likely won't be the last, with rising meth problems in nearby and neighboring counties.
"This was always big in the western counties. You have Summit County, Portage County. We knew it was coming this way. We've had complaints," Talbert said.
A father of three living next door says he had no idea this was happening so close to his family.
"It just goes to show you don't know somebody until something like this takes place," said Arvin Richards.
This may not be the only case in Salem. Police say they're investigating the possibility of other meth labs in the city.
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