A 48-year-old Blue Earth man wanted by authorities was arrested Wednesday night following a traffic stop.

Rick Allen Rochefort and Teresa Ann Hinton, 40, of Elmore were taken into custody after their vehicle was stopped on Highway 169 in Blue Earth around 8:30 p.m.

When making the arrests, officers smelled a strong chemical odor coming from the vehicle. They obtained a search warrant and discovered an active meth lab in the car.

Authorities then obtained two more warrants to search Rochefort’s homes in Blue Earth and Winnebago.

Faribault County Chief Deputy Scott Adams estimates nearly 40 grams of methamphetamines was seized, as well as drug paraphernalia and a meth lab.

The Winnebago Police Department assisted in Rochefort’s arrest, which was the result of an investigation by the South Central Drug Task Force, Faribault and Martin counties sheriff’s departments, and the Blue Earth and Fairmont police departments.

The investigation also led to the Sept. 17 apprehension of Richard Rochefort and Conrad Boynton in Fairmont for purchasing items to manufacture meth.The two men have been charged with conspiracy to manufacture, possession of substance with intent to manufacture meth and possession of meth items.

Rick Rochefort is being held on the fugitive warrant and charges are pending.

Hinton is expected to be charged with first-degree manufacturing and intent to manufacture meth.