Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad have this week charged three people and located a large-scale clandestine laboratory as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged manufacturing of illicit drugs.
With assistance from Taskforce VIPER, Major Drug Squad, Taskforce Icarus and the Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, investigators executed search warrants at properties in Balnarring, Rye, Maribyrnong and Preston on Tuesday, 8 September.
A commercial-sized clandestine laboratory was located at the Balnarring address.
Three people were arrested including a 31-year-old Rye man, a 30-year-old Maribyrnong man and a 30-year-old Preston woman, with the trio all interviewed by police.
The two men were charged with traffick large commercial quantity of methamphetamine and MDMA, traffick commercial quantity of Ketamine, and possess substances, material and equipment to manufacture drug of dependence.
The woman was charged with traffick commercial quantity of cocaine, possess MDMA and possess cannabis.
All three have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 13 January, 2027.
Detectives seized a range of drugs, chemicals and equipment from the large-scale lab in Balnarring.
This included what is believed to be about eight kilograms of methylamphetamine, five tonnes of waste material containing traces of methylamphetamine, over 100 litres of pre-cursor chemicals, commercial quantities of ketamine and MDMA, and large amounts of sophisticated scientific equipment, solvents and acids used to manufacture illicit drugs.
Investigators also seized a large quantity of cash and a cash counter, knuckle dusters, watches believed to be the proceeds of crime, electronic devices and drugs including cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, magic mushrooms and steroids from the other properties.
The investigation commenced in May 2026 and remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on the importation, manufacture or trafficking of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Carlie Kohler, Clandestine Laboratory Squad:
"The drug laboratory located in Balnarring was one of the largest clandestine laboratories uncovered in Victoria this year and was likely responsible for generating millions of dollars in profits for an organised crime syndicate.
"This is money made from the exploitation of vulnerable people and it often funds other serious and violent criminal activity within our community.
"The Clandestine Laboratory Squad has worked tirelessly to disrupt this syndicate's operations, with the dismantling of the Balnarring laboratory representing a significant blow to its criminal enterprise.
"Our work is ultimately about keeping Victorians safe. By dismantling drug laboratories, targeting organised crime groups and preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our streets, we are reducing harm, protecting vulnerable members of the community and contributing to a safer Victoria for everyone."
