Three men have been charged with drug supply offences after a clandestine laboratory was located and dismantled at Taree.
In recent months, officers from the Manning/Great Lakes Police District Proactive Crime Team have been investigating drug supply activities in the Taree area.
Following extensive inquiries, local police – assisted by Northern Region Operations Support Group and the Dog Unit – executed four search warrants at properties in Taree yesterday (Wednesday 14 October 2026).
During the search of the properties, officers located several items of interest including a clandestine lab, approximately $26,650 cash, 20g methamphetamine, and 82g of a white rock-like substance.
Specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team and Fire and Rescue NSW Hazmat were called in to safely process the scene.
Three men – aged 23, 38 and 76 – were arrested and taken to Taree Police Station.
The younger man was charged with supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable and less than commercial quantity), and possess prohibited drug.
The 38-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable and less than commercial quantity), possess prohibited drug, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime (greater than $5000), and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Thursday 15 October 2026).
The older man was charged with take part supply prohibited drug (greater than small and less than or equal to indictable quantity), possess prohibited drug, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime (greater than $5000).
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Taree Local Court on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Inquiries are continuing.
