East Elm Street, between Pine Street (SR309 north) and Rolling Mill Avenue in Tamaqua, was blocked off for a couple hours this morning (Friday, Jan. 31, 2014) while local and State Police raided the second floor of a two-unit home at 29 East Elm Street this morning. Neighbors said that they saw police carrying items outside in plastic bags, as well as placing numerous items on tarps. A nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated there were over dozen police cars on scene when the bust occurred. There is no official word regarding what the raid was for or if anything was found, although a sign on the front door reads: “Warning: A clandestine laboratory for the manufacture of illegal drugs and/or hazardous chemicals was seized at this location on 01/31/14 by the Pennsylvania State Police. Known hazardous chemicals have been disposed of pursuant the law. However, there still may be hazardous substances or waste products on this property either in buildings or in the ground itself. Please exercise caution while on these premises. Apt #2.” Officials cleared the scene around 11 AM.
Update: According to the Pottsville Republican, this was a suspected Meth Lab. Six people were taken into custody.