From staff reports

MILROY — Two Milroy residents were arrested Saturday for their alleged involvement in operating a methamphetamine lab inside their King Street home.

Lacie Marie Bender, 29, and Jeffrey Decker, 39, both of Milroy, were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Kent Smith on one count each of operating a methamphetamine lab, manufacturing with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers from the Armagh Township Police Department were called to the 80 block of King Street at about 9:45 a.m. Dec. 23 to assist Pennsylvania State Parole, Mifflin County Probation, Mifflin County Regional Police and Pennsylvania State Police.

Police said they were at the residence to take Decker into custody on an active warrant and because Bender was on probation.

While searching the couple’s bedroom, officers reported finding a large quantity of drug paraphernalia, including a plastic bag containing a clear crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine; a bag of marijuana; three containers, two of which contained clear liquid; a plastic bottle with two plastic tubes protruding from the sides and top that contained white powder residue; and a glass meth pipe containing blue liquid and burnt residue.

Police also reported finding a large quantity of packaged components used to make vape pens, three scales, numerous small clear baggies, a rechargeable mini bag sealer, two fentanyl test strips, four glass meth pipes with burnt residue, five small plastic baggies containing white powder residue, a small clear bottle containing white powder residue, two bongs containing marijuana residue, and multiple used and unused hypodermic needles.

Additional items were allegedly found inside Decker’s vehicle, including three glass meth pipes, a small plastic straw containing white powder residue, two hypodermic needles, and a metal-and-glass smoking device with unknown residue.

Both defendants are being held in the Mifflin County Correctional Facility, unable to post $75,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 14 in Smith’s office.