PROVO — Child-welfare agents whisked a small girl out of a Provo house that police believe was being used as a clandestine methamphetamine lab.

The girl was taken into protective custody Monday after Provo police determined that chemicals in the garage of a house near 150 South and 900 West were meant to make crystal meth — a drug known as "Tina" by those in the illicit trade.

Provo Police Lt. Scott Finch said police officers went to the home in response to an anonymous complaint of "some suspicious activity that had been reported by neighbors."

"The officers talked with the owner and obtained permission to search the garage," Finch said.

Upon entering the garage, the lieutenant said, officers reportedly spotted drug paraphernalia.

As police continued to search the garage, they found a drug stash and materials used to "cook" methamphetamine, he said.

A man and woman who had been living in the garage were arrested for investigation of child endangerment, operating a clandestine drug lab, possession of methamphetamines and possession of paraphernalia.

The couple — a 32-year-old Orem man and a 26-year-old Spanish Fork woman — were booked Monday into the Utah County Jail.

Finch said the owner of the home is cooperating with police and was unaware of the alleged activity in the garage.

The Utah County Major Crimes Task Force was called to the home to collect evidence and start the decontamination process, Finch said.

"The chemicals used in making meth can be hazardous so they are taking precautions to make sure no one is going to be injured or become ill from this," Finch said.

Typically, "meth cooks" combine ingredients found in drain cleaners, paint thinner and match heads to make the drug.

Concerned neighbors stood on the sidewalk, watching police officers wearing bright hazardous-waste suits as they worked at the home.

"I barely moved here two weeks ago, and I didn't know anything about it," said one worried neighbor. "And now I know the neighborhood isn't safe."

Carol Sisco, Utah Department of Human Services spokeswoman, said information on the girl taken into custody, including her age, was not immediately available Monday night.

In most cases, Sisco said, the girl would be taken to a state-operated shelter where she would be examined by a medical professional. A drug test also likely would be administered.

The child would remain at the shelter until either a relative or foster family is found — and deemed suitable — to take the child into their care, Sisco said.

Police say anonymous tips are needed to combat neighborhood drug activity.

"If you see something suspicious, report it," Finch said. "It gives us an opportunity to check it out and then be able to determine if there is a problem or not. I've got to give credit to the neighbors in helping us out in this case."

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Contributing: Sam Penrod, KSL-TV; E-mail: jeffh@desnews.com