MANCHESTER – One person was arrested after detectives from Operation UNITE located a methamphetamine lab at a home in the Big Creek community of Clay County.

Police charged 31-year-old Sherrie Renee Minton with one count each of manufacturing methamphetamine, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.

Minton was lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.

Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force, said an arrest warrant for an additional suspect would be obtained in the next few days.

At about 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, UNITE detectives went to Minton’s home on South Highway 66 to conduct an interview about excessive purchases of Sudafed from different pharmacies in several counties.

After speaking with Minton, officers obtained consent to search the home and found a quantity of OxyContin and drug paraphernalia.

Based upon this discovery, a search warrant was obtained for the property. During the subsequent search detectives found a methamphetamine lab and several items used to manufacture methamphetamine in an out-building located next to the residence. Also found were quantities of methamphetamine, OxyContin, Hydrocodone and marijuana.

UNITE was assisted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police.

Police called the Department of Families and Children to take custody of two young children who were at home during the search.

For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.