Abandoned meth lab discovered

By Staff
Jason Houston FCT Managing Editor
A tip from a concerned citizen led law enforcement agents to what is believed to be an abandoned methamphetamine lab Monday, officials said.
Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott said investigators discovered the remains of a "significant" meth lab on Franklin 70, about 100 yards south of Highway 245, near the Marion-Franklin county line. Investigators said deputies were called to the scene, where they identified several bags containing components used to make meth, and they found approximately 40 containers of liquids used in the manufacturing process.
The Drug Enforcement Agency was contacted, and a hazardous materials team from Memphis was called in to clean up the lab.
Investigators said the approximate cost of the clean-up was between $5,000 and $7,000. It is not known why the materials were dumped on the side of the road. Investigators said it appeared someone "cleaned house" and dumped the lab to remove it from a residence.
The case remains under investigation, and Plott said anyone with any information about the case should contact the sheriff's office at 332-8811.