Raptor Squad detectives have charged two men after two clandestine laboratories were dismantled in Sydney's west overnight.
In October 2022, detectives from the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad established Strike Force Searle to investigate the supply and manufacture of methylamphetamine by members and associates of the Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG).
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed two crime scene warrants at a warehouse in Marsden Park and a home in Penrith shortly before 6pm yesterday (Wednesday 1 March 2023).
When officers arrived at the warehouse, they located a large amount of chemical precursors and drug paraphernalia allegedly consistent with the manufacture of methylamphetamine.
Police also located approximately 150 litres of a liquid substance, believed to be methylamphetamine.
Strike force officers also executed a search warrant at a home on Hume Crescent, Werrington, where police located a large amount of equipment consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
Police also located 500g of crystalised methylamphetamine and a large amount of liquid, believed to be methylamphetamine oil.
Specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Unit attended all three locations to process and dismantle the labs, with further resources to attend today (Thursday 2 March 2023).
All additional items seized will undergo further forensic examination.
A 40-year-old man was arrested at the Werrington home and taken to Penrith Police Station. He was later taken to Nepean Hospital for treatment for a pre-existing injury; he remains under hospital guard. He was later charged with manufacture large commercial quantity prohibited drug.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at Marsden Park and was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, where he was charged with taking part in the manufacture of large commercial quantity prohibited drug.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Penrith and Mt Druitt Local Courts respectively today (Thursday 2 March 2023).
They were formally bail refused, with the younger man to reappear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 26 April 2023, and the older man to reappear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday 27 April 2023.
Investigations under Strike Force Searle are ongoing.
Anyone with information about the supply and manufacture of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
