Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged a man over the alleged supply and manufacture of methylamphetamine in Sydney's north.
Last month, detectives from the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Aldred to investigate the alleged manufacture of prohibited drugs, mainly methylamphetamine.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators – with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a Gladesville home about 7.45am yesterday (Wednesday 6 September 2023).
Upon entry, police located an active clandestine laboratory, with specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Unit attending to process and dismantle the lab. It's expected this will continue into today (Thursday 7 September 2023).
During the subsequent search of the home, officers located approximately 50kg of crystallised methylamphetamine being extracted from inside metal food tins, and equipment consistent with the manufacture of methylamphetamine. All items were seized for further forensic examination.
Following additional inquiries, officers arrested a 43-year-old man at a home in Pymble about 8.10am. Police executed a search warrant at the home where they seized cash, mobile phones, jewellery, and electronic devices.
Two additional search warrants were executed at storage sheds at Gladesville and Petersham about 3pm, where officers located several boxes of imported food products, also believed to contain methylamphetamine.
Pending further analysis of the items seized, police estimate the amount of methylamphetamine seized to be in excess of 100kg.
The man was taken to Hornsby Police Station and charged with manufacture and supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug.
He was refused bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court today (Thursday 7 September 2023).
Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said the swift work of detectives over recent weeks has resulted in this prompt arrest and seizure.
"We will allege in court this laboratory was extracting drugs which had been imported via a complex concealment method in cookie tins and soup containers. This is a clear example of the lengths organised criminal networks will go to in an attempt to bring drugs in.
"Our capabilities to identify and detect illicit drugs only continues to improve, with the assistance of our national and international law enforcement partners.
"NSW Police is now working with international agencies to identify any other persons potentially involved in this alleged importation."
Investigations under Strike Force Aldred are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Aldred 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.
