MOUNT VERNON — Two Knox County methamphetamine laboratories were shut down near Bladensburg early Wednesday morning.

According to Knox County Sheriff David Barber, detectives and the Tactical Response Unit executed a search warrant at 3721 VanWinkle Road shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Detectives discovered components and materials used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in a garage and residence at that address.

Later Wednesday morning, detectives discovered a second meth lab at a nearby residence on VanWinkle Road, which is believed to be related to the first location.

Sheriff’s detectives were assisted in the raids by members of the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force and a professional hazardous materials cleanup company was called to the locations to remove chemicals and other dangerous materials. Although no arrests were made at either lab site, Barber expects criminal charges to be filed as this investigation continues.

Anyone with information about the VanWinkle Road sites, or any other drug activity in the county, is asked to call the sheriff’s office Detective Division at 393-6800 or the toll free Crime Tip Line at (888) 363-TIPS (888-363-8477).

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is an active member of the 10-county Metrich Enforcement Unit.