More than 20 people are now facing charges in connection with a major meth lab bust in Venango and Mercer counties.
The arrests in "Operation Cave-in" were announced today by the Attorney General's Office.
Attorney General Tom Corbett says the "sophisticated meth lab and pill-shopping operation" was allegedly operated by 62-year-old Rockne "Rocky" Barber Sr., of Stoneboro.
Investigators say 52-year-old Roland Rodkey, of Franklin, and James Lawrentz, 40, of Stoneboro, have been arrested in the case as well.
The Attorney General's Office says the three men are facing a long list of charges including participating in a corrupt organization, violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act and conspiracy to violate the drug act.
Corbett says "Barber, Rodkey and Lawrentz allegedly recruited and directed meth addicts and other addicts to visit pharmacies on a carefully scheduled basis in order to obtain the necessary cold medicine without attracting unwanted attention."
According to Corbett, Barber is "accused of producing methamphetamine by using an underground lab located in a man-made cave." Officials say it was hidden in a hillside near his home.
Authroities say Barber's property was searched back in April and officers seized the meth lab, about $15,000 of meth oil, an assortment of chemicals and supplies, drug packaging materials, $20,000 in cash as well as weapons.
Several other people have been arrested in the purchase, sale or distribution of meth or meth-related items, investigators say.
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