Sheriff Larry Bennett said that the fourth methamphetamine lab was discovered Sunday evening by Deputy Sheriff Lee Smith.

Bennett said that Smith was investigating the complaint of a strong chemical odor.

The residence of Arthur Lee Lawless, Jr., 31, on Ky-92 West of the Ky-55 intersection was the scene of the arrest.

"Lee went out there to check on that complaint and he got permission to search," Smith said. "This may turn out to be one of the largest meth busts we've seen."

Lawless was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. Smith took the accused to the Russell County Jail, as Deputies Clete McAninch and Nick Bertram continued the investigation and awaited assistance from a State Police Hazardous Materials Team.

In all the deputies reported they found over 40 containers that had been used in the final production of the illegal, deadly and highly addictive stimulant.

Bennett ask that anyone noticing a strong chemical odor in their neighborhood, or other suspicious activity, call his office at 343-2191.