Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad have arrested five people, located a large-scale clandestine laboratory and seized various drugs of dependence as part of a four-month investigation into drug manufacturing.
A search warrant was executed at a residential premises in Coburg North on Thursday, 15 February, where investigators located a large-scale clandestine laboratory. Police seized precursor chemicals, scientific glassware, solvents, chemicals, literature relating to the manufacture of drugs and a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.
A 44-year-old Toorak man was arrested at the address and charged with traffick methylamphetamine, possess articles to manufacture and permit person to use land to manufacture.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 23 August.
On Thursday, 18 April, a search warrant was executed at a residential address in Pascoe Vale. Police located commercial quantities of methylamphetamine, amphetamine and precursor chemicals.
A 53-year-old Pascoe Vale man was charged with two counts of traffick commercial quantity methylamphetamine, traffick commercial quantity of amphetamine, and two counts of possess articles to manufacture.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 23 August.
A further warrant was executed on Friday, 19 April at a Glen Iris property.
A 53-year-old man living at the address was arrested but released pending further enquiries.
On Monday of this week (24 June), investigators searched a West Melbourne address, locating varying quantities of methylamphetamine, cocaine and 1,4-Butanediol.
A 44-year-old man living at the address was arrested and subsequently extradited to Queensland where he had allegedly breached parole.
A 36-year-old Hadfield man, who investigators will allege was the cook, was arrested in Maribyrnong last night (Thursday, 28 June) for his involvement in the Coburg North clandestine laboratory.
He attempted to flee police, who located various drugs of dependence in his possession.
He was charged with traffick commercial quantity methylamphetamine, possess articles to manufacture, three counts of fail to answer bail, resist police and possess methylamphetamine.
The Hadfield man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 23 August.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Mark Crevatin, Clandestine Laboratory Squad:
"This was a significant investigation which has stopped a production line of methylamphetamine from reaching Victorian streets and prevented millions of dollars of drug profit flowing back into the syndicate to fund their next criminal venture.
"Methylamphetamine, even in small amounts, causes immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and the criminality that often goes hand in hand with drug offences.
"It is an extremely destructive illicit substance, and we will continue to unapologetically target and arrest anyone who seeks to line their pockets at the expense of our community."
