Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged three men after an inactive clandestine laboratory was located near Goulburn.
Officers from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Crear to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs, in particular methylamphetamine, throughout Sydney.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a property at Marulan about 4.10am yesterday (Thursday 17 August 2023).
Two men – both aged 49 – were arrested inside the premises without incident.
During the search, police found a large inactive clandestine laboratory located within a large industrial shed at the back of the property. Items consistent with drug manufacture were located and seized, including approximately 16kg of methylamphetamine oil.
Specialist police from the Chemical Operations Team were deployed and dismantled the lab.
A second search warrant was executed at a home at Rossmore later in the morning, where several items were seized including 10 kilograms of methylamphetamine, electronic devices and documents relevant to the investigation.
The total value of the methylamphetamine seized is estimated to be $6.5 million.
Following further inquiries, a 55-year-old man was arrested at a home in St Clair shortly before 11am.
A third search warrant was then executed at the home, where officers located more than $18,000 cash.
The two 49-year-old men were taken to Goulburn Police Station, where one of the men was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group and take part manufacture large commercial quantity prohibited drug. The second man was charged with participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity and take part manufacture large commercial quantity prohibited drug.
Both men appeared at Goulburn Local Court on Thursday (17 August 2023), where they were formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Wednesday 27 September 2023.
The older man was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity and manufacture commercial quantity prohibited drug.
He appeared at Penrith Local Court yesterday (Friday 18 August 2023), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Friday 13 October 2023.
Investigations under Strike Force Crear are ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit drug manufacture or supply 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.
