Attorney General Tom Corbett announced charges against 23 people following the raid of a large meth lab operation in Venango and Mercer counties.

The investigation, known as “Operation Cave-in,” netted the arrest of the operation’s leader, Rockne K. “Rocky” Barber Sr., 62, of Venango County. He is charged with making meth and using an underground lab located in a man-made cave hidden in a hillside near his home.

Barber and 22 other suspects also are accused of coordinating the purchase of cold medicine and other chemicals required to produce meth, Corbett said.

During a raid in April, agents seized about $15,000 worth of meth oil — the final ingredient needed in the production of methamphetamine; meth-related chemicals and supplies; drug packaging materials; $20,000; and 63 firearms, including a fully-automatic machine gun.

The arrests announced today are based on a grand jury indictment, which recommended the criminal charges, Corbett said.

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