A 49-year-old Clayton man was arrested on Dec. 11 as Stevens County deputies discovered a marijuana growing operation and a possible methampetamine lab during eviction proceedings at a home on the 4700 block of Bittrich-Antler Road.

After receiving a search warrant the following day, deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers recovered chemicals consistent with those used in a meth lab and numerous firearms, including an illegal sawed-off shotgun.

The resident, Aaron B. Hilderbrand, a convicted felon, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and manufacturing marijuana. Additional charges stemming from the possible meth lab are pending.