Raptor Squad officers have charged a man for allegedly producing large amounts of methylamphetamine in multiple labs across Sydney, following an investigation under Strike Force Whitticase.
In April 2024, officers attached to State Crime Command's Raptor Squad located and – with assistance from specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Unit, the Technical Forensic Support Unit and NSW Fire & Rescue – dismantled a clandestine laboratory in Rhodes, which was allegedly producing large quantities of methylamphetamine.
During a search of the property, officers located and seized 6kg of methylamphetamine and 2kg of cocaine.
Raptor Squad officers established Strike Force Whitticase to investigate the incident.
Following extensive investigations, strike force officers stopped a Mercedes sedan travelling on Averill Street, Rhodes, about 1pm Thursday 22 August 2024.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized 4 litres of precursor, a gas mask and electronic devices.
The driver, a 35-year-old man, was subjected to a roadside drug test and allegedly returned a positive result to methylamphetamine.
He was arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station.
About 3.15pm the same day, strike force officers – with assistance from officers attached to Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a North Ryde home.
During the search, officers located and – with assistance from specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Unit, the Technical Forensic Support Unit and NSW Fire & Rescue – dismantled a second clandestine drug laboratory also allegedly producing large quantities of methylamphetamine.
Strike force officers located and sized over 10kg of methylamphetamine. All drugs seized between both labs has an estimated street value of over $10 million.
The man was charged with two counts of manufacture large commercial prohibited drug, two counts of supply large commercial prohibited drug, two counts of drive while disqualified, two counts of enter drug premises and possess ID info to commit indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear before Burwood Local Court Friday 23 August 2024.
Investigations under Strike Force Whitticase 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.
