McCandless police are investigating what is believed to be a drug manufacturing laboratory operating out of a home in the town.

The lab was discovered by town officers in the areas of Inwood Road and Chapel Court on the evening of Jan. 2, according to a social media post by the police department.

Police said they could not provide a specific address for the home where the lab was found “due to investigative concerns.”

With help from the Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Lab Response Team, officers searched the residence and “rendered the scene safe,” police said.

“The investigation is ongoing, but we are aware that the appearance of such a large amount of police activity can be concerning to residents,” according to the department’s posting on social medial. “We would like to assure everyone that there is no danger to the public at large.”

Police did not reveal the type of drug that was being manufactured in the lab. No arrests have been announced.

This is the second time in the past year that a drug manufacturing operation has been uncovered in McCandless.

In May, an Allegheny County probation officer who was checking up on a man living in the Presidential Arms apartment complex discovered all the ingredients needed to make methamphetamine, according to authorities.

Responding McCandless officers entered the apartment and found sealed containers packed with pseudoephedrine tablets, hydrochloric acid, lighter fluid, coffee filters, lithium batteries and other components needed to manufacture the illegal drug.

Some residents had to be evacuated after the find because chemicals used to produce methamphetamine can ignite or explode if stored or mixed improperly, according to a U.S. Department of Justice website.

Sean Austin Spuntak, 22, who lived in the home, faces trial on two felony counts related to operating a methamphetamine lab and two related misdemeanor charges, according to court records.

Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tony at 724-772-6368 or tlarussa@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TonyLaRussaTrib.

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