Five locals were arrested Wednesday in relation to two separate methamphetamine labs – including one found in a purse – at an Opp home on U.S. Hwy. 84 West.

Drug Task Force Commander Mark Odom said the discovery of the two labs came following the execution of a search warrant at the home of William Jason Weed.

“While there, agents recovered numerous items associated with the manufacturing of meth, including finished meth product, a homemade hydrogen chloride generator and numerous chemicals such as Coleman fuel and drain cleaner,” Odom said.

While officers were serving the search warrant, three other individuals arrived at the Weed home who were questioned as to the purpose of their visit, as well as their alleged involvement with the meth lab discovered at the home.

“During questioning, agents found finished meth in the back floorboard of the vehicle and recovered a partial meth lab from a purse found in the same area,” Odom said.

Weed, 31, was arrested on charges of first-degree manufacturing, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tina Ann Jackson, 25, who was also at the Weed home, faces the same charges. The two were booked into the county jail and held on a $320,000 bond each.

Also arrested were Calvin Cruz Saultz, 21; Donnie Dewayne Hay, 20, both of Opp, and Arlana M. Thompson, 18, of Andalusia. Each was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and held on a $13,000 bond.

Since Monday, at least four labs have been found, and Odom said law enforcement officials are becoming alarmed as the number of meth labs found locally increase.

“I’ve been with the DTF since December of 200, and I have literally worked hundreds of meth labs,” he said. “Back in 2000, we were overwhelmed with the number of cases we had due to so many people becoming addicted to meth.”

Odom said after the passage of the pseudoephedrine law in 2006, the number of labs decreased dramatically.

“And we thought we might have had our problem somewhat under control,” he said. “However, with the new ‘shake and bake’ or ‘one-pot method,’ I almost feel like we’re starting all over.

“As much as I hate to say this, meth is back,” he said. “With that said, all law enforcement, has fought this battle before and we’re prepared to handle it.

“Just know, if you cook it, we will come,” he said.