Five people have been arrested for allegedly running a methamphetamine lab inside a hotel room in Elkridge, Md., on Monday night, police said.
The five out-of-state men -- Josiah Marin, Forrest Rhoades, Joshua Matthews, Amos Martin, and Spencer Smith -- were all charged with drug manufacturing, drug possession and possession with intent to distribute.
At about 10:40 p.m., an anonymous caller tipped off police about a possible meth lab inside a Holiday Inn Express room on the 6000 block of Marshalee Drive. According to authorities, a strong, unusual odor was detected near the door of a room on the fourth floor of the building.
Three men answered the door when officers knocked. Authorities say they observed chemicals inside the room and took the men into custody. A fourth man arrived a short while later and was also arrested.
A fifth man staying in the same room was found walking around the parking lot and taken into custody.
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services evacuated all guests staying on the fourth floor, as well as above and below the suspected meth lab.
Investigators say the suspects were traveling through the area for work and believe they checked into their room on Saturday.
The suspects were making the drugs because they were unable to find methamphetamine locally, according to authorities.
Stay with NBCWashington.com and NBC4 for updates as they become available.
