BESSEMER — A meth lab was uncovered by police when they arrested two suspected car thieves.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Wakefield Post say they received a tip about a stolen vehicle from Arizona on Tuesday. They located the vehicle at a residence in Bessemer, where they arrested 34-year-old Matthew Lander and a 28-year-old Lisa Olivas.

In the process of arresting the pair, police say they located a meth lab in the residence, which was also occupied by several children. The Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team responded to the scene and removed the lab and hazardous material. Police say additional charges will be sought for Lander and Olivas and possibly for others involved as the investigation continues.

Lander and Olivas are charged with one count each of unlawfully driving away an automobile. That charge is a felony which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. Both suspects will have preliminary exams in Gogebic County District Court on September 9th.

In addition to UPSET, Michigan State Police troopers were assisted by the Michigan Department of Human Resources and the Bessemer Fire Department.

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