Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad yesterday charged two men, one a former patched member of the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), and located a clandestine laboratory in Colac.
With assistance from the Geelong Divisional Response Unit, Colac Uniform members, Disaster Victim Identification team (specially trained members in dismantling a clan lab) and a forensic chemist, warrants were executed on Wednesday morning at three residential addresses and a business premises in Colac.
Members from the Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested a 49-year-old Colac man, a former patched member of the Hells Angels OMCG, shortly after 10am.
He was interviewed by investigators and charged with:
• Possess articles to manufacture
• Traffick methylamphetamine
• Two counts of possess precursor chemicals
• Two counts of possess drug of dependence
• Possess prohibited weapon, and
• Possess proceeds of crime
The man was remanded overnight to appear at Geelong Magistrates' Court today.
Police seized a significant packed up clandestine laboratory from the address including glassware, equipment and precursor chemicals, 25kilograms of sodium sulphate and a small quantity of schedule 4 poison amongst other chemicals.
A large amount of Hells Angels memorabilia, quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis, quantities of cash and a conducted energy device (taser) were also located.
A 55-year-old Colac man was charged with two counts of possess drug of dependence (methylamphetamine and cannabis).
He was bailed to appear at Colac Magistrates' Court on 26 June.
Small quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis were seized from his address.
A 39-year-old Colac man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
