SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Law enforcement officials hope a new law that took effect July 1 will put operators of clandestine drug laboratories behind bars.

Operating a clandestine drug laboratory is now a felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $2,000 to $25,000.

Previously, the charge would have been possession with intent to distribute, and the penalties were usually less harsh, according to law enforcement personnel.

Clandestine labs are properties on which a person assembles any chemicals, equipment or combination to manufacture methamphetamine or the street drugs better known as crank, speed, crystal meth, crack or LSD.

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