State Drug Squad detectives have charged two men after an alleged MDMA lab was located at Currumbin Valley, as part of a joint investigation with New South Wales Police Force targeting an alleged drug trafficking syndicate producing and distributing dangerous drugs across the country.
Operation Zebu is an ongoing operation targeting the synthetic production of drugs across Queensland.
Investigations led detectives under Operation Zebu, to execute a search warrant at a Currumbin Valley property yesterday, August 23.
It will be alleged officers located a commercial-scale methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) lab including 10 kilograms of a substance alleged to be MDMA, 20 litres of MDMA oil and a shipping container which contained chemical drums, manufacturing equipment and 20 kilograms of relevant chemical substances.
A quantity of cash was also located, along with two 1kg bags of MDMA allegedly located hidden in an oven on the property.
It will be further alleged evidence was located which indicated plans for the lab to scale up production, and connecting the operation to an alleged drug trafficking network producing and distributing illicit drugs across Australia.
Two men were taken into custody at the scene.
A 43-year-old man has been charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, producing dangerous drugs, possess anything used in a crime, possess relevant substance and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs.
His 24-year-old son has been charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, producing dangerous drugs, possess instructions, contravene an order, possess anything used in a crime, possess relevant substance and two counts of possessing dangerous drugs.
Both men are expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today, August 24.
A further two search warrants were executed by NSWPF detectives at Bombo and Surry Hills at alleged residences of the two men.
It will be alleged that approximately $81,500 in cash, a money counter, 255 grams of MDMA along with chemicals and items consistent with drug manufacturing were seized from these addresses.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Drug and Serious Crime Group Detective Inspector Bradley Phelps said Operation Zebu is committed to tracking down the hazardous drug laboratories that put the lives of innocent people on the line.
"These labs have the potential to harm both those using them, and innocent neighbours, while putting dangerous drugs into our communities," Detective Inspector Phelps said.
"These warrants are the result of dedicated joint-investigations between Queensland and NSW police, and I applaud all officers involved in working to dismantle this alleged drug trafficking syndicate."
"These arrests highlight that criminals who attempt to circumvent law enforcement by operating across borders will not defeat the collaborative efforts of Australian law enforcement agencies."
NSWPF State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson, says New South Wales Police will continue to work with our state partners to detect and disrupt cross-border activity.
"Organised criminal networks do not respect or observe borders, they will use whatever means they can to remain undetected from law enforcement and make a profit," Det Supt Watson said.
"It's through joint investigations such as Operation Zebu and Strike Force Alkera that police will gather intelligence about these groups and their associates, and put those who want to introduce illicit substances into our communities behind bars and before the courts."
Police appeal to anyone with information regarding the production and distribution of dangerous drugs to come forward.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
