GALLIPOLIS — Two individuals were recently charged with the illegal manufacture of drugs following the discovery of a meth lab at Kanauga-area residence earlier this year.

Joshua P. Saunders, 32, Gallipolis, and Dawn Lanham, 33, Gallipolis, both pleaded not guilty to the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, a first degree felony, during separate hearings on Thursday in the Common Pleas Court of Gallia County.

According to the indictments in their respective cases, the methamphetamine was being manufactured in the vicinity of a juvenile.

The defendants were charged following the discovery of a “one pot” meth lab on August 22 at a residence located in Gallipolis Township.

The meth lab discovery at the residence located at 542 Burnett Road came after an anonymous citizen complaint concerning the manufacture of meth at the residence was received by the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the police report, a deputy traveled to the residence at approximately 7:30 p.m. on August 22 to speak with the owner of the residence about the complaint.

After receiving consent to search the residence by the owner, identified as Lanham, the deputy, who is also trained as a meth lab technician, discovered an active one pot meth lab inside a grocery bag in the living room of the residence.

The home was evacuated, the Gallipolis Fire Department was dispatched to standby as a precaution and the deputy called for assistance from a fellow meth lab technician from the Middleport Police Department to aid in the neutralization of the lab.

Following the neutralization of the hazardous materials, the remnants of the “one pot” lab were properly disposed of by the officers.

Reportedly, after the results of lab testing in this case was returned to the sheriff’s office, a total of 16 grams of methamphetamine was found in the evidence submitted in this case.

The police report also indicates that several “precursor” ingredients used to manufacture the drug were also found at the residence, including empty lithium batteries, sulfuric acid, pseudoephedrine and ammonium nitrate. Additionally, paraphernalia used during the consumption of the drug was also discovered by officers.

Additionally, the report indicates that the manufacture of the methamphetamine was occurring at the home in the presence of two juveniles, ages eight and nine years.

This case was later forwarded to the Gallia County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Cases against Saunders, as well as Lanham, were heard by a grand jury earlier this month and indictments were handed down.

During his hearing on Thursday, Saunders’ bond was set at $25,000, 10 percent, with an additional bond of $1,500, 10 percent, secured.

A negotiated plea in this case may be filed by December 28. A jury trial has been scheduled for January 10.

Saunders is currently being held in the Gallia County Jail.

Lanham’s bond has been set at $25,000, own recognizance, with an additional bond of $1,500, 10 percent.

A plea in this case may be filed by February 11. A jury trial has been set for March 11.

Bond was posted for Lanham’s release on Thursday.