LEWISTON — Police said they arrested two local men and charged them with operating a methamphetamine lab on Bartlett Street.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested Raymond Nelson, 35, and Merlin Ellingwood, 32, both of Lewiston. Nelson also goes by the name of Kent Lathrop.

Both men were charged with unlawful operation of a methamphetamine laboratory.

The two were arrested Sunday evening at an apartment they were staying in at 197 Bartlett St. Police said they found a “one pot” meth lab and other items used to manufacture the drug in the apartment.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection assisted at the scene.

Nelson and Ellingwood were taken to the Androscoggin County Jail. Bail was set at $10,000 cash for Nelson and $500 cash for Ellingwood. As of noon Monday, they remained in jail.

MDEA agents and Lewiston police said they received information that the two men had been making meth at different locations throughout the Lewiston area. The renter of the apartment was not home at the time of the arrests.

Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive stimulant. Preparing the drug is considered dangerous because of the chemicals involved and chemical reactions that create fumes and the risk of fire or explosion.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

This is the 25th meth lab response by the MDEA this year.

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