A state police forensic team was on the scene of a suspected methamphetamine lab in Lansford Thursday afternoon after cleaners became suspicious and notified police.

The incident began just before noon when employees of the cleaning firm, hired by the owner of the property, entered a half-double block home at 311 East Ridge Street and discovered what they thought was a large amount of drug paraphernalia.They notified police who then notified Carbon County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Mark Nalesnik.The state police were notified and dispatched a team of undercover state troopers and two state police forensic scientists who have expertise in recognizing and removing the hazardous and explosive chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Borough police quickly wrote out the search warrant that was required for troopers to enter the house.As the troopers entered the dwelling, members of the American Hose Co., Lansford, stood at the ready with charged lines. The state police removed the hazardous materials. Borough police then entered the home to search it and found a plethora of drug paraphernalia that was left, borough police Officer Brian Horos said.Lansford Police Chief John Turcmanovich reported that when police arrived on scene, the occupants of the other half of the unit left unexpectedly and have not been seen since. The chief stated after the investigation is completed, a warrant will be issued for the arrest of the fleeing suspects.Horos did not identify the two suspects who fled from the other side of the housing unit but said the Northampton County Sheriff's Department has also been seeking their whereabouts.Two other unidentified people may also be involved.Horos also said that contrary to some news reports, there were no small children involved in the incident.