By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — With all of the makings of a meth lab in his bathroom and two children in the residence, a LaPlace man is facing several charges after his arrest this weekend, police said.

When St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an apartment Saturday in the 300 block of East Airline Highway in LaPlace after a disturbance report, they spoke with Matthew Landry, 24, of LaPlace.

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, Landry told deputies he was cooking meth in the bathroom.

“Due to the volatile nature of a methamphetamine laboratory, deputies had an adult female and two minor children exit the residence until the residence was made safe, and narcotics detectives were notified of the incident,” the release from the Sheriff’s Office said.

Narcotics detectives determined the laboratory was not active, but all the items necessary for an active laboratory were present in an ice chest, authorities said.

From the residence, investigators recovered 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, which has a street value of $250. Also recovered were three straws with white powder residue, a digital scale and plastic Zip Lock bags commonly used in the distribution of narcotics, authorities said.

Landry was booked with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; creation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance; sale, distribution or making available to minors publications encouraging; two counts of advocating or facilitating the illegal use of controlled dangerous substances and two counts of illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a person under 17.

He remains in custody in lieu of a $60,000 bond.

Authorities said the investigation is considered closed, and the adult woman at the apartment at the time of Landry’s arrest is not expected to face any charges related to the case.

As of press time Tuesday, authorities could not determine the relation, if any, between the suspect and the other members of the household.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said it is not believed the suspected meth operation was large or connected to outside operations.