A Polk County couple is facing federal charges in connection with the operation of a meth lab.
Wilfred W. Wright and Amanda K. Wright were charged in Chattanooga Federal Court.
Authorities said on Feb. 5, officers with the Polk County Sheriff's Office went to 138 Watts Lane in Reliance, Tn., to investigate a suspected methamphetamine lab and a missing person report regarding Faith Nicole Corum.
Wilfred Wright advised there was a meth lab in his vehicle and that when he saw law enforcement approach his residence he swallowed approximately five grams of meth.
Wright said he had been manufacturing meth on a regular basis at his residence since April 2012.
He said he paid $50 to various unnamed individuals who brought him pseudoephedrine so that he could manufacture meth at his residence.
Upon searching Wright's vehicle, officers discovered an active methamphetamine lab and a recipe book detailing various methods for manufacturing methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers also discovered various items commonly associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine, including approximately a half ounce of ammonia nitrate inside a plastic bottle, approximately a half ounce of lye, Coleman fuel, muriatic acid, stripped lithium batteries, tubing, and a "shake and bake" bottle, in the vehicle and on the grounds.
Amanda K. Wright said she had been manufacturing methamphetamine with her husband.
Records maintained by the Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force show that since April 23, 2012, Wilfred Wright purchased approximately 43 grams of pseudoephedrine and Amanda Wright purchased approximately 63 grams of pseudoephedrine.