Police: Smell leads to makeshift meth lab

Two people were arrested at a Burlington County motel over the weekend after the smell of marijuana led police to find drugs and a makeshift methamphetamine lab in their room, authorities said.

Bordentown Township police said officers were conducting a patrol check at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites about 11 p.m. Saturday when they smelled marijuana coming from one of the rooms.

Inside, they found marijuana, items used for methamphetamine production and sale - including chemicals, a glass pipe, a digital scale, empty vials, and stamps used for packaging - and drug paraphernalia, police said.

Officers also seized two marijuana pipes and a small amount of heroin.

Arrested were Benjamin Shulman, 32, of Neptune, N.J., and Dana Ackerman, 29, of Hamilton, N.J.

Shulman was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine. He was being held at the Burlington County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Ackerman was charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of heroin, marijuana and a drug paraphernalia. She was released from custody pending future hearings.