CUMBERLAND – A Harlan County man was arrested Saturday, June 7, by Operation UNITE detectives shortly after he retrieved a methamphetamine lab from a remote mountain location used as a cook site.

Larry Lucas, 31, of Cumberland, was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth precursors and second-degree wanton endangerment.

An anonymous tip led law enforcement officers from UNITE and the Cumberland Police Department to the location in Slope Hollow – an area without nearby houses situated between Cumberland and Evarts – shortly after noon.

A short time later police spotted Lucas leaving the area with most of the components used in the manufacturing process – including a bottle containing an active chemical reaction to produce meth.

Lucas attempted to dispose of the bottle after realizing he had been seen.

Police seized the equipment, fuel and some meth product without incident.

Lucas was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.

Additional charges are pending presentation of the case to the Harlan County Grand Jury.