Detectives have charged three men and uncovered two clandestine laboratories as part of an investigation into the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine across Sydney.
In February 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Knauer to investigate the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine across metropolitan and south west Sydney.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with assistance from Strike Force Raptor Highway, stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Elizabeth Drive and Windsor Road, Cecil Hills, about 8.20am yesterday (Tuesday 17 September 2019).
The driver, a 46-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station.
Police searched the vehicle with assistance from the Dog Unit and seized more than $10,000 cash.
Shortly after the arrest, detectives, with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed a search warrant at a home in Cecil Hills, and two crime scene warrants at a rural property at Kemps Creek and a home at Bankstown.
Investigators uncovered clandestine drug laboratories at Kemps Creek and Cecil Hills, which were examined and dismantled by the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team and specialist forensic officers.
Police located 400L of a liquid, with presumptive testing returning a positive indicator for methylamphetamine, at the Kemps Creek property. The Chemical Operations Unit are continuing to process and dismantle the lab.
RSPCA NSW also attended to check on the welfare of a number of animals.
More than 300 items were seized at the properties, including equipment and chemicals consistent with drug manufacture, 4L of GBL, 170g of MDMA, and 100g of methylamphetamine.
A 42-year-old man was arrested at the Bankstown home about 10.30am.
A third man, aged 28, attended the home about 1.40pm, and was arrested after a replica pistol was allegedly located in the man's vehicle.
They were both taken to Bankstown Police Station.
The 42-year-old man was charged with 17 offences including; possess drug manufacture apparatus make prohibited drug, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, deal with property proceeds of crime (x2), supply prohibited drug (x8), supply prohibited drug commercial quantity (x2), and possess prohibited drug (x3).
The 28-year-old man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol.
The pair were refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court today (Wednesday 18 September 2019).
The 46-year-old man was charged with knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime, supply prohibited drug (x8), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Knauer are continuing.
Anyone with information in relation to the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
