This is a joint media release between Australian Federal Police and South Australia Police
Two men are expected to face Adelaide Magistrate's Court today (15 May) after a drug lab was found in an underground bunker at a property in South Australia yesterday.
The discovery comes from a joint investigation involving Australian Federal Police (AFP) and South Australia Police' Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives.
Officers located a methylamphetamine laboratory hidden in a purpose-built bunker at the Evanston South property about 6pm on Thursday, 14 May.
Detectives and forensic chemists are currently dismantling the laboratory with support from fire crews and ambulance officers.
The nature and extent of the laboratory is such that detectives expect to be processing exhibits for several days.
A 43-year-old man from Greenwith and a 54-year-old man from Munno Para were arrested and each charged with manufacturing a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug.
They were refused bail to appear in court today.
"SA Police continue to work with partner agencies to bring those responsible for the manufacture of controlled drugs to justice," Detective Superintendent Steve Taylor, Officer in Charge of SA Police Serious and Organised Crime Branch, said.
"Clandestine laboratories involve the use of toxic and flammable chemicals which pose a significant risk to the community, police and the drug cooks themselves.
"People who manufacture or sell illicit drugs can face penalties up to a $500,000 fine or life imprisonment and can also have assets such as houses and cars seized."
AFP Superintendent Investigations Gail McClure said the AFP works closely with its partners to protect South Australian communities by way of disrupting criminal endeavours.
"COVID-19 has far-reaching implications for everyone in society, including criminal networks," she said.
"It is apparent that drug suppliers continue to adapt to the changing circumstances and local production of drugs continues to provide a business opportunity, completely disregarding the health and wellbeing of the community.
"It is to be reinforced that methamphetamine 'cooks' are creating dangerous environments to conduct this type of activity, again having no regard for the safety of the community.
"Police remain vigilant in our collective efforts to identify and disrupt criminal behaviours in the enduring effort to protect Australian society."
