Four arrested after police find meth labs at Canadatown home

From left to right, Willard Watson, James Manning, Mark Morrow and Anna Coffey. All four were arrested Wednesday in conncetion with methamphetamine labs found at a residence in Canadatown.

An anonymous tip helped police discover numerous methamphetamine labs in the Canadatown community Wednesday, and four people were arrested in the wake of an investigation.

At approximately 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky State Police Post 11 Troopers Les Moses and Tony Dingess received a tip of a possible methamphetamine lab at a residence on Plum Lane in Canadatown.

When Moses and Dingess arrived at the residence, they noticed a strong chemical odor. Further investigation resulted in the discovery of four one-step meth labs as well as an HCL generator, a bottle of flammable liquid, coffee filters, starter fluid and ammonium nitrate — all components necessary to manufacture methamphetamine.

Arrested at the scene were: Mark Morrow, 45, of Williamsburg; James F. Manning, 34, of Corbin; Willard W. Watson, 35, of Williamsburg; and Anna Coffey, 28, of Parkers Lake.

Manning, Morrow, Watson and Coffey were all charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance, both felony offenses.

Watson was additionally charged with fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, resisting arrest and illegal possession of a legend drug.

All four were lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.

Troopers from the KSP Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations branch responded to the scene and safely neutralized the hazardous materials.

Moses is continuing an investigation into the case. He was assisted by Dingess, Trooper Edward Jones, Sgt. Bill Elliotte and Troopers from the KSP Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations Branch.