By ROBIN SHANNON

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish narcotics investigators, acting on a search warrant Sunday evening, arrested three individuals who have been operating a methamphetamine lab out of a Reserve home.

Christopher Maus, 41, and Wendy Duhe, 43, both of 124 18th St., Reserve, and Dale Blouin, 45, of 1070 Airline Highway, LaPlace, were all arrested Sunday as part of the investigation, said Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office. Clement said narcotics detectives had been investigating alleged drug activity at Maus and Duhe’s Reserve residence over the last three weeks.

“Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined there was indeed plenty activity in and out the residence all hours of the day,” Clement said. “There were also numerous safeguards around the home that would give the impression of possible illegal activity.”

Clement said detectives had to deal with heavy fortification of the residence, which included exterior motion censors, exterior video cameras and iron fortified doors. He said agents from the Tri-Parish Narcotics Task Force, which operates out of Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena parishes, assisted the Sheriff’s Office in executing the warrant.

“Detectives suspected the residence was being used for the manufacturing of methamphetamines,” Clement said. “Knowing the explosive potential and chemical hazards associated with labs like this, assistance was necessary to ensure safety. The search warrant was executed without injury.”

Once inside the home, detectives recovered methamphetamine prepared for street sale and valued at about $7,000. Investigators also found ephedrine powder to make about 4 ounces of methamphetamine, along with other paraphernalia used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Clement said detectives also recovered marijuana and other assorted pharmaceutical drugs.

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, Maus, Duhe and Blouin were each charged with creation and operation of a clandestine laboratory for manufacturing controlled dangerous substances, along with various other drug charges associated with what was recovered at the home. Maus is being held on a $336,500 bond, Duhe is being held on a $261,500 bond and Blouin is being held on a $235,000 bond. Clement said all remain incarcerated at the Sherman Walker correctional Facility in LaPlace.