Clandestine lab uncovered; man charged at Ourimbah, NSW

A man has been charged and a clandestine laboratory uncovered following a police operation on the Central Coast yesterday.

About 3.45pm (Tuesday 8 September 2020), officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended a property on the Pacific Highway at Ourimbah following reports of shots fired.

Upon arrival, police spoke with a man and located a large number of chemicals and equipment consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs in a shed.

A crime scene was established, and the area was rendered safe by NSW Fire and Rescue HAZMAT crews.

Specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team attended and examined the property, which is currently in the process of being dismantled.

In a subsequent search of the property, investigators also located cash, a rifle, a replica pistol, ammunition and prohibited drugs.

All items seized will undergo further examination.

A 40-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station, where he was charged with 10 offences, including possess prohibited drug, possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs, supply indictable quantity prohibited drug, possess ammunition without licence, possess unauthorised firearm, not keep firearm safely and goods in custody suspected stolen.

The man was refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court today (Wednesday 9 September 2020).

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information in relation to the manufacture or 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.

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