Smoke reveals meth lab in Easton rental property

The Easton Police Department says they arrested a man earlier this month when they learned of a methamphetamine cooking operation in a rental property.

Christopher L. Chambers, 45, of Trappe is charged with manufacturing of a controlled dangerous substance, CDS distribution, narcotics production equipment, reckless endangerment, and other charges related to hazardous substances.

On December 17th, the landlord of the property noticed smoke coming from the roof of the home in the 29000 block of Kennedy Street in Easton. While investigating, he found that Chambers had a fire and drug paraphernalia in the attic.

The Narcotics Unit of the Easton Police Department arrived to find more smoke coming from the roof. They called the Easton Fire Department to put out the fire.

Detectives entered the attic after firefighters extinguished the blaze. In there they found burned debris including lithium batteries and a bag of empty Sudafed packs, hinting that Chambers was using the attic to make meth when he accidentally started the fire.

Police then found a box of with camping fuel, butane, bottles of smoldering chemicals and waste products in the property's backyard.

Detectives contacted the Drug Enforcement Agency to arrange a meth lab cleanup.

Once securing a search warrant for the rest of the residence, police found suspected meth, suspected heroin and hypodermic needles.

Chambers was taken before a Talbot County District Court Commissioner and held without bond.