Two men have been charged following an investigation into the diversion of precursor chemicals to manufacture ‘ice’, NSW Police say.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug Squad established Strike Force Benedictine in late 2015 to investigate the supply of precursor chemicals and the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by highway patrol officers from Strike Force Raptor, stopped a vehicle on the Hume Highway, Penrose, just after 2.10pm yesterday.
Police searched the vehicle and located a suitcase containing numerous containers filled with a white crystalline substance, believed to be methylamphetamine or ‘ice’.
The total weight of the substance was about 14.3kg, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $7 million.
Two men – aged 28 and 34 – were arrested and taken to Bowral Police Station.
Shortly after the arrest, Strike Force Benedictine investigators, with the assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed search warrants at properties at Towrang, Claremont Meadows, and Chiswick.
Officers located an inactive large-scale clandestine laboratory at the Towrang property, which included custom-made steel apparatus. Police also seized another container filled with a further 660g of ice.
Also on the Towrang property, officers located a 12-guage shotgun and ammunition on a bedside table. The registered firearm was seized as it was not secured properly.
At the other properties, police seized almost $150,000 cash, steroids, mobile phones, electronic equipment, designer watches, and documentation.
The 28-year-old Claremont Meadows man was charged with large commercial manufacture prohibited drug and large commercial supply prohibited drug.
The 34-year-old Chiswick man was charged with large commercial manufacture prohibited drug, large commercial supply prohibited drug, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Both men were refused bail and appeared at Goulburn Local Court today, where they were formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Wednesday 13 September 2017.
Drug Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Tony Cooke, said the operation highlights the ongoing risk of drug manufacture occurring within our communities.
"Not only are we seeing groups producing enough drugs to destroy communities, they are manufacturing them in volatile environments, which present risks of explosion and contamination," Det Supt Cooke said.
"Clandestine laboratories can produce container loads of drugs here in NSW, which is no different than if it were packed onto a ship and sent from overseas. That is a challenge specific to targeting ‘ice’.
"Our Chemical Operations Team specifically targets this activity and will continue to do so – keeping track of the precursor chemicals, many of which are imported legally, is one of our major priorities.
"The community has an important role to play in reducing the impact of this poison. You are our eyes and ears, and we want to hear from you if you notice something suspicious," Det Supt Cooke said.
Seven telltale indicators of drug manufacturing and supply
- Strange odours emanating from the property
- Diverted electricity
- Chemical containers and waste
- Blacked out windows
- Hoses and pipes in strange places
- Blinds down, with extremely bright indoor lighting radiating through gaps
- Vehicles arriving at odd hours
Police are urging anyone with information about the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
