A man and woman have been charged with drug offences after a traffic stop at Hendon led to the discovery of a clandestine GHB laboratory and the seizure of drugs, precursor chemicals and firearms.
At 6.30pm on Friday 4 September, investigators from the Crime Gangs Task Force stopped a Ford Focus hatchback on Circuit Drive, Hendon, and searched the vehicle and its occupants.
A 31-year-old West Lakes woman, who was a passenger in the car, was allegedly found in possession of 300 millilitres of GHB, commonly known as Fantasy or Juice. She was arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled drug and was bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 21 October.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered approximately 30 kilograms of a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of GHB.
Police subsequently executed search warrants at properties in Hendon and North Haven, allegedly locating three firearms, 14 grams of methamphetamine, two litres of GHB and a clandestine laboratory used in the manufacture of GHB.
The driver of the Ford hatchback, a 40-year-old North Haven man, was arrested and charged with possessing a large commercial quantity of a controlled precursor, two counts of trafficking a controlled drug and trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug.
He was refused police bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 7 September.
Detective Chief Inspector Christie Matthews, Officer in Charge, Crime Gangs Task Force, said the seizure had prevented a significant quantity of GHB from reaching the community.
"GHB, also known as Fantasy, is a dangerous drug that can have devastating consequences for users and the broader community. This seizure of drugs and three firearms, together with the dismantling of a clandestine laboratory, has significantly reduced the risk of harm to the community.
"The Crime Gangs Task Force remains firmly focused on targeting organised crime and disrupting the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs across South Australia," said Det. Chief Inspector Matthews.
