Two arrested after meth lab found at hotel, infant turned over to DHR

Two people were arrested Wednesday night in Demopolis after allegedly being found with a methamphetamine lab.

Carroll John Martin and Tia Star Nichols were arrested on multiple charges. Demopolis Police Department Chief Tommie Reese said an officer witnessed a “hand-to-hand transaction” at the Red Carpet Inn, and when he went to investigate, he found a meth lab in a backpack.

“Our officer was out on patrol and just ran up on it,” he said.

Martin was arrested and charged with first-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nichols was charged with second-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of marijuana.

In addition to the Demopolis Police Department, the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force and the Demopolis Fire Department hazmat team were on the scene.

Officers found a six-month-old baby in a car, along with some finished product. The child was turned over to the  Department of Human Resources.

“The lab was what’s called a one-pot cook, or ‘shake and bake,’” Reese added.