Organised Crime Squad detectives have seized prohibited drugs and firearm parts, and charged one man, following the discovery of a clandestine lab in Sydney's west under Strike Force Springfield.
Strike Force Springfield was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad to investigate Organised Criminal Networks (OCNs) allegedly involved in the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
During the investigation, detectives identified a criminal network importing glassware consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
Those enquiries led police to execute a search warrant on Tiger Street in Silverdale about 11.30am today (Friday 9 August 2024).
While executing the warrant, an active clandestine laboratory was located and specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Unit, the Technical Forensic Support Unit and NSW Fire & Rescue were engaged to assess the size of the clandestine lab before they dismantle it.
During the operation so far, police have located and seized firearm parts, a large amount of powder and liquid believed to be prohibited drugs, a cannabis hydroponic set up containing a number of cannabis plants, and chemicals believed to be used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
All items will undergo further forensic examination.
Following further inquiries, about 2.30pm the same day, strike force detectives arrested a 30-year-old man in Riverwood.
He was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with five offences - manufacture prohibited drug – more than the large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug (two counts), cultivate prohibited plant, organise/assist drug premises.
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday 10 August 2024.
Inquiries under Strike Force Springfield continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
