SOUTH THOMASTON — Agents with Maine Drug Enforcement are on Route 131 in South Thomaston this afternoon, searching a home for a suspected methamphetamine laboratory.

MDEA Supervisor Jim Pease, at the scene, said that methamphetamine is not currently a big problem in the Midcoast.

"Bath salts are our biggest problem, not meth," said Pease.

Pease said one person was at the residence when agents arrived, but he would not say if anyone was in custody, how many people or who might be facing charges, or what evidence they had seized from the home yet.

"We are in the process of executing a search warrant, looking for evidence related to what we believe is a meth lab," said Pease.

Maine Dept. of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland in a press release said agents armed with a search warrant arrived at the house on St. George Road late this morning.

In addition to MDEA agents, representatives from federal, other state and local agencies are assisting in the investigation. Agents wearing protective suits have begun searching the inside of the house and Pease said more information is expected later this afternoon, after the search has been completed.

Route 131 was closed for time earlier today, but Pease said the road, which connects Thomaston and St. George off of Route 1, is now open to one lane of traffic.

"The house is very close to the road, and there are neighbors across the street," said Pease. "But there are no immediate neighbors next to the house."

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerfully addictive stimulant that can be easily produced in illicit, makeshift laboratories. It is generally considered the fastest-growing illicit drug in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. The drug is physically and psychologically dangerous to users, but people in and around meth labs are also at danger to chemical exposure due to the hazardous substances used in the production of the drug. In addition to the volatile air emissions, there can be danger of chemical spills, fires and explosions, all of which require extreme caution by law enforcement and emergency responders.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.