A Gorham man was arrested over the weekend for operating a methamphetamine lab near a church.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency says 37-year-old Matthew Cole was arrested Sunday for the second time in six months. Officers responded to the area near the First Parish Congregational Church after reports about a man suspected of doing drug deals.

Police evacuated the area due to safety concerns about a possible explosion or fire from the lab.

Cole was arrested and found to have 27 grams of meth in his possession.

He was taken to Cumberland County Jail and was set to appear in court Monday afternoon.