Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have arrested five men, dismantled a large-scale clandestine laboratory, and seized more than $21 million worth of methylamphetamine following an investigation into the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney.
In April (2022), detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Bogolong to investigate a syndicate allegedly involved in the large-scale manufacture of the drug 'ice'.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives, with assistance from South West Metropolitan Region Operation Support Group (OSG), executed a search warrant at an address in Colebee around 2.20pm on Tuesday (4 October 2022).
When a search of the premises commenced, police located a large-scale clandestine laboratory containing equipment and chemicals consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs, and more than 6kg of methylamphetamine.
A 33-year-old man was arrested inside the premises and taken to Riverstone Police Station.
That property has since been rendered safe by Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT crews and continues to be examined and dismantled by the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team.
A short time later, a second man, aged 32, was arrested outside a property on Cardigan Street at Auburn and taken to Auburn Police Station.
During a subsequent search of that address, police seized a black Honda Accord fitted with a sophisticated hide, as well as a number of precursor chemicals, electronic devices, prohibited drugs, and cash.
Following further inquiries, investigators – assisted by Raptor Squad – stopped a Toyota Hilux travelling south on the Hume Highway near Menangle just before 5pm yesterday (Thursday 7 October 2022).
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located and seized 15kg of methylamphetamine, electronic devices, and around $7,000 cash.
All seized items will undergo forensic examination.
A man and woman – aged 36 and 33 respectively – were arrested and taken to Campbelltown Police Station.
Meanwhile, another man, aged 39, was arrested at a home in Guildford West a short time later and taken to Granville Police Station.
Following extensive further inquiries, a fifth man, aged 36, was arrested during a vehicle stop at Seven Hills about 9.40am today (Friday 7 October 2022).
He's been taken to Blacktown Police Station where it's expected he will be charged.
The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is more than $21 million.
A 33-year-old man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
He was refused bail and appeared at Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 1 December 2022.
A 32-year-old man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possess prohibited drug.
He was refused bail and appeared at Burwood Local Court on Wednesday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Monday 17 October 2022.
A 36-year-old man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, and possess prohibited drug.
A 39-year-old man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Campbelltown and Parramatta Local Courts today (Friday 7 October 2022).
The woman has since been released pending further inquiries.
Inquiries continue.
Anyone with information about the manufacture of prohibited drugs 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.
