The investigation unfolded in the 16-hundred block of East Tulpehocken Street.
Police and fire crews arrived on the scene just before 5:00 after an undercover officer allegedly purchased meth from a 77-year-old man, police said.
The neighborhood was blocked off and several homes were evacuated. SEPTA buses were brought to the scene to assist in moving people to another location.
Just after 6:00, investigators went into man's house. Narcotic officers discovered a meth lab in the basement. They also found other drugs and a machine gun in the house.
The suspect was identified as Melvin Fulton. The longtime resident was living in the home with his girlfriend, who told police she didn't know what was going on in the basement.
After some time, hazmat and bomb techs determined the lab was not running and there was no immediate danger. Residents were allowed back home.
It turns out Fulton has a criminal history that goes back to before we landed on the moon including attempted murder, drugs, dui, robbery and firearms violations.
Fulton faces numerous charges. He remained behind bars awaiting arraignment late Wednesday night.