A Holly Pond couple has been charged with operating one of the largest methamphetamine labs ever discovered in Cullman County.

Danny Lynn Bates, 43, and Mary Leann Bates, 33, both of County Road 1727, turned themselves in to county authorities Saturday after spending the past month dodging warrant servers.

The couple faces charges of unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance. Mary Bates also faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Both subjects remained in the Cullman County Detention Center Monday under $30,000 bond each.

Unable to release information about the lab discovery until after the couple is formally charged for fear of hindering their investigation, Sheriff Tyler Roden explained Monday that deputies attempting to serve a warrant on a third person unrelated to the meth lab, happened upon the operation back on Nov. 23.

“Deputy Dan Hardy was attempting to serve a warrant for Jonathan Heath Bates, who was wanted for failure to appear in court on a charge of possession of marijuana second-degree. Deputy Hardy went to the Bates residence on County Road 1727 and established probable cause to enter the residence in order to search for the subject Jonathan Heath Bates,” Roden said.

Once inside the residence, Roden said Deputy Hardy detected a strong chemical odor. He also reportedly noticed several prescription drugs, meth pipes and various other paraphernalia about the home. He immediately called backup and was joined at the scene by Deputy Doug Duke.

“Continuing their search, the deputies discovered additional paraphernalia consistent with the presence of a meth lab. Members of the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) were called in. A search warrant was obtained and executed and as a result agents found approximately 10 grams of meth valued at roughly $1,500,” Roden said. “They also confiscated three long guns and two semi-automatic pistols.”

The agents’ work was just beginning, however. A search of a shed next to the house resulted in the discovery of a large working methamphetamine lab and a supply of chemicals and ingredients consistent with the manufacture of meth.

“According to CNET agents, this is one of the largest labs ever found in the county, easily capable of manufacturing a large quantity of methamphetamine,” Roden said. “In addition to the lab itself, agents also found a large quantity of chemicals used in the manufacture of meth including iodine, acid, Coleman fuel, empty ephedrine blister packs, Red Devil lye and so forth.”

Agents with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency were alerted and a cleanup crew was dispatched to the site. Chemicals and equipment were placed into evidence and materials deemed harmful were removed from the site.

Attempts were immediately begun by authorities to locate those believed responsible for the lab.

“We’ve been trying since November to find the couple. This past Saturday they decided to turn themselves in,” Roden said.

Roden commended the work of deputies Hardy and Duke, as well as that of CNET officers and the DEA.

“It was a good job by everyone, but particularly Deputy Hardy, whose acute observations led to the discovery of the lab,” Roden said.