A “significant” methamphetamine operation was discovered at 9644 Stephen Young Road near Camden early Saturday morning, according to the Preble County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies served a search warrant around 4:20 a.m. Sheriff Mike Simpson said the department had been getting complaints about a strong chemical odor.

A man, woman and three young children were found in a camper near the barn that housed the alleged meth lab, according to Simpson. Tanessa L. Miller, 25, of Camden was arrested for felony possession of drugs and child endangering. John Chancey Dougherty, 37, of Monroe was arrested for manufacturing drugs, aggravated possession of drugs and assembly of chemicals.

Charges will be presented to the Preble County Prosecutor’s Office for approval on Oct. 1. Deputies are also seeking charges against a third person who fled the scene.

The children, ages 2, 4, and 5, were turned over to the local children services agency. They will be placed with a family member, or a suitable foster family if no immediate family is available, according to those at the scene.

Simpson said one of the ingredients, anhydrous ammonia, can be fatal if inhaled. Deputies found three or four grams of meth in the trailer, which Simpson said was worth several hundred dollars. Investigators also found marijuana in the barn and methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the camper.