GARYVILLE — Three people are behind bars after an investigation led to the discovery of a meth lab in Garyville.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives initiated an investigation after receiving information of illegal narcotics activity at the Historic West Street residence of Garyville resident Christopher Rowe.

According to authorities, Rowe, 45, was involved in the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamines and other illegal narcotics at his residence.

Based on the findings of the investigation, Tregre said detectives obtained a search warrant, and at 12:02 a.m. Thursday, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotic detectives executed the search warrant at Rowe’s residence.

Detectives encountered Rowe, Wanda Summers, 55, and Dennis Joseph, 31, in the residence, Tregre said, adding Rowe was armed with a handgun.

“Joseph resisted detectives by punching and kicking them,” he said. “During the search of the residence, detectives found an active methamphetamine laboratory. Detectives recovered approximately $300 of methamphetamine, $50 of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a handgun, a shotgun and numerous rounds of ammunition.”

Due to the volatile nature and hazards associated with methamphetamine laboratories, Tregre said technicians who are trained in deactivating and neutralizing active methamphetamine laboratories were called to safely dismantle and remove the laboratory.

Rowe was arrested and booked with distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and an outstanding attachment.

Authorities said Rowe has been arrested eight times in St. John Parish since 1994.

As of press time Friday morning, Rowe remained in custody in lieu of a $98,150 bond.

Detectives arrested Joseph and booked him with distribution of methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, resisting a deputy with force or violence and taking contraband to a penal institution.

Authorities said Joseph has been arrested six times in St. John Parish since 2002.

As of press time Friday morning, he remained in custody in lieu of a $55,500 bond.

Detectives arrested Summers and booked her with distribution of methamphetamine.

As of press time Friday morning, she remained in custody in lieu of a $40,000 bond.