After Jonathan Meints, 30, of Nashville, was caught allegedly trying to shoplift lithium batteries at the Wal-Mart on Old Fort Parkway, he admitted to having a pipe used to smoke meth.

Investigating officer, MPD’s Jacob Lamb, searched Meints and found messages on his cell phone allegedly alluding to the sale of meth.

Wal-Mart employees then informed Lamb of Meints’ friend, who had gone to wait in their car.

MPD Officer Samuel Day found Timothy Friedman, 23, of Sugar Tree Drive, in a car in the Wal-Mart parking lot with “a suitcase containing items used to manufacture meth,” Lamb reported.

Day also found a fanny pack that allegedly contained meth residue, marijuana, small plastic bags and another pipe.

Meints admitted to owning the fanny pack.

Both Meints and Friedman were charged with initiation of the meth process and promotion of meth. Meints was also charged with possession of drugs and paraphernalia.

Meints is being held on a $200,000 bond. Friedman is being held for $20,000. Both men are at the Rutherford County jail and are scheduled to appear in court March 3.