Appeal after two mobile clandestine laboratories and 36kg of methylamphetamine located, NSW

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have released images of a vehicle of interest and are appealing for information following the discovery of two mobile clandestine laboratories and methylamphetamine in Sydney’s south-west earlier this year.

Last month (Friday 1 April 2022), officers from Fairfield Police Area Command were called to a property on Long Street, Smithfield, after the discovery of two trailers containing chemicals, solvents and equipment consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs.

A crime scene was established and specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit assisted in the dismantling of the labs and subsequent seizure of around 8 kilograms of methylamphetamine powder, and a further 28 kilograms of methylamphetamine liquid.

The trailers, drugs and equipment were all seized by investigators for forensic examinations, and the matter is now the subject of further investigations under Strike Force Doris.

As inquiries continue, strike force detectives have released a stock photo of a white Mitsubishi Triton believed to have been used to move the trailer-laboratories around, as well as images of the trailers.

Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Gillian Lister, said police are confident someone may have seen the owner or occupants of the vehicle in the vicinity of the property.

“We know these trailers were on the property for most of March and we’re confident someone may have seen the Triton coming and going either with or without the trailers attached,” Det A/Supt Lister said.

“The mobile lab was set up in a semi-industrial area, so we believe someone would have noticed the suspicious activity that inevitably comes from partaking in such a high-risk activity in a busy area.

“These types of operations are incredibly dangerous and those who manufacture these drugs do so knowing full well the harm they are inflicting on our communities.

“Methylamphetamine is a scourge on our community, and I urge anyone with information to do what is right and come forward to police,” Det A/Supt Lister said.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Doris investigators 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.

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