UPDATE:Two Floyd County convenience stores were searched this morning by local and federal agents in what is being called a regional methamphetamine investigation.

Similar stings are being held today in Walker, Gordon and Whitifield Counties.

The two stations include the Coastal gas station on Turner McCall Boulevard and the Silver Creek Mini-Mart on the Rockmart Highway south of Rome.

At least one arrest has been made.

A news conference will be held at 2:30 P.M. today at the Whitfield County Sheriff's office.

Floyd County Police Chief Bill Shiflett said today's arrests stem from charges related to the production of ephedrine, the main ingredient used to produce methamphetamines. They also marked the culmination of a major undercover investigation that spanned several counties and included state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Law enforcement agencies raided five businesses in Walker County Friday morning.

Walker was one of nine counties in the northwest corner of the state to be involved in the investigation.

The businesses raided in Walker included Ross' Thriftway on LaFayette Road; Jiffy Mart on Mission Ridge Road; Famous Market on Chattanooga Valley Road; Rossville Smoke Shop/Tobacco Outlet on Chickamauga Avenue and the Tobacco Mart on North Main Street in LaFayette

These businesses allegedly had either employees or owners selling mass quantities of products such as cold tablets and camping fuel for the manufacturing of the drug.

Return to www.romenews-tribune.com for more news. See Saturday's Rome News-Tribune for complete story.