Callers told police there was a suspicious smell coming from a duplex on Oakland Drive Tuesday night.

Detectives began watching the house Tuesday evening, and just a few hours later knocked on the door to ask for permission to search the residence.

Sgt. Chad Depew said, We got everyone out. As soon as we did, we noticed an active meth lab in the rear bedroom of the residence."

A search also turned up materials that are used to make the drug. Police also recovered some ecstasy from the home.

The house is a duplex and police said a family with three children were living next door. They were all checked out by paramedics and then evacuated the residence to stay with relatives.

Four people, including three men and one woman, were arrested in connection with the lab. They're currently in the Preble County Jail awaiting formal charges.

A neighbor who identified herself as Terri said, "Whatever is going on there, I'd just like to shake the hand of whoever turned them in."