Penrith RES investigators have uncovered three clandestine laboratories and charged three people over the alleged large-scale manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine across the state.
In January this year, officers from Penrith Region Enforcement Squad (RES) established Strike Force Monfarville to investigate the importation, supply and manufacture of methylamphetamine (ice) across NSW.
Following extensive inquires, strike force investigators arrested a 23-year-old woman during a vehicle stop at the intersection of Gipps and Fowler Streets, Claremont Meadows, just before 10.30am yesterday (Monday 29 June 2020).
Shortly after, officers arrested a 29-year-old Ultimo man during a second vehicle stop at Green Road, Kellyville, and a 31-year-old man outside a unit at Croydon Park Road, Croydon Park.
About 2pm, Penrith RES detectives executed three crime scene warrants at a unit at Ultimo, a home at Werrington, and a storage unit at Rydalmere.
During the searches, officers uncovered two clandestine laboratories at the Ultimo unit and Werrington home, and an inactive clandestine laboratory at Rydalmere.
The properties were examined, and the clandestine laboratories are in the process of being dismantled by specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team.
A number of chemicals and items consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs were seized.
The woman was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with two counts of manufacture large commercial quantity (expose child), and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The Werrington woman was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today (Tuesday 30 June 2020).
The Ultimo man was taken to Castle Hill Police Station and charged with two counts of manufacture large commercial quantity (expose child), two counts of import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and contravene prohibition/restriction AVO (domestic).
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
The Croydon Park man was taken to Burwood Police Station and charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), two counts of import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today.
Penrith RES Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Wright, said criminal syndicates manufacturing prohibited drugs in suburban areas put neighbouring residents at risk.
"Clandestine laboratories have the potential to put surrounding houses and people in danger and they can be anywhere in the community – including high-density units like one uncovered yesterday," Det Ch Insp Wright said.
"In this instance, police will allege that a child under the age of 10 was also exposed to chemicals used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine.
"It will be further alleged that this group of individuals were involved in, and were capable of, importing and manufacturing large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs into the state.
"This kind of irresponsible behaviour is simply unacceptable, and police will continue to target those that put the community – including children – in harm's way.
"We would ask that the public remain vigilant to what is happening in their suburb, including those residing in an apartment complex, and report any suspicious behaviour to police," Det Ch Insp Wright said.
Investigations under Strike Force Monfarville are continuing.
Anyone with information about 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.
