LINDEN – Two Linden residents were arrested this afternoon and charged with manufacturing methamphetamines.

Agents with the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Drug Task Force and the Linden Police Department were given consent to search an apartment on Highway 28 in Linden Wednesday morning where they found an operational meth lab and associated paraphernalia.

Michael Gates, 28, and Penny Hamilton, 32, were taken into custody and charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamines Second Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Task Force Commander Clint Sumlin said the lab was found in the closet after a brief search of the apartment.