Police have disrupted the supply of MDMA after dismantling a rural clandestine laboratory in Central Western NSW and arresting six alleged syndicate members, NSW Police say.
In 2017, investigators from the North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (RES) established Strike Force Wanawong to investigate the supply of MDMA across the region.
As a result of their inquiries, investigators also uncovered the large-scale manufacture of MDMA, which included the purchase, storage, and diversion of chemicals in south-west Sydney and the state’s Central West.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, assisted by the State Protection Support Unit, executed a search warrant at a property at Neville, near Blayney, in the state’s Central West, about 6am yesterday (Thursday 22 March 2018).
Police located an active, large-scale clandestine laboratory, which was rendered safe, which is being dismantled by the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team.
Investigators seized MDMA pills and powder, chemicals, a loaded semi-automatic pump action shotgun, ammunition, recreational vehicles, chemicals (precursors), a pill press and other items associated with the manufacture of MDMA, $20,000 cash and documentation.
Two men – aged 43 and 44 – were arrested at the property and taken to Bathurst Police Station.
The 43-year-old man from Fletcher, near Newcastle, was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug, two counts of large commercial drug supply, drug supply, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
The 44-year-old man from Wattle Grove, in Sydney’s south-west, was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug, and possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Lithgow Local Court today (Friday 23 March 2018).
A short time later, strike force investigators, assisted by Western RES, Newcastle City Drug Unit, Chifley Police District, and local police, executed 10 further search warrants.
The search warrants included factories at Moorebank, Wetherill Park, and Yennora, a properties at Mt Rankin, Fletcher, Merrylands, and Wattle Grove.
An inactive clandestine laboratory was located at one of the Moorebank factories, which is also being dismantled by the Chemical Operations Team.
Police seized a further 9kg of MDMA, cocaine, thousands of litres of chemicals (precursors), two pill presses, seven firearms, including a Ruger rifle; magazines, various calibres of ammunition, almost $100,000 cash, computers, and documentation.
While the dismantling of the labs is continuing, the current total estimated potential street value of the MDMA seized is over $4.5 million.
A further four men – aged 44, 45, 50, and 52 – were arrested and taken to local police stations.
The 44-year-old man, who is an unlawful non-citizen from the United States, was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and take part in large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug.
He was refused bail and appeared at court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Campbelltown Local Court Wednesday 28 March 2018.
The 45-year-old Merrylands man was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group and take part in large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug.
He was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 29 March 2018.
The 50-year-old Granville man was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug.
The 52-year-old Merrylands man was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group, large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug, two counts of drug supply, and possess ammunition without holding licence.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court later today.
North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, praised the work of RES investigators and the cooperation of all officers, who assisted throughout the investigation.
"Region Enforcement Squads have long been the backbone of targeting mid-level drug suppliers in the community and providing support on investigations both up and down the supply chain," Assistant Commissioner Jones said.
"Through diligent inquiries and pure tenacity, this team has put a good dent in the availability of MDMA in our community.
"That said, our work doesn’t stop here, not only are inquiries continuing under Strike Force Wanawong, our RES has numerous ongoing investigations targeting criminal activity that puts the safety of our community at risk.
"What we really need, though, is a reduction in the demand for these poisons. The more people want it, the more they’re willing to pay for it, and the peddlers just keep on profiting from the misery.
"Police will continue to target all levels of drug supply and associated criminal activity, but we need the community’s support to incite real cultural change in relation to drug use," Assistant Commissioner Jones said.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to the supply and manufacture of illicit drugs to call Crime Stoppers.
