Drug & Firearms Squad detectives have charged three people with drug supply related offences following an investigation into an alleged clandestine lab in Sydney’s west.
About 5.10pm on Thursday 30 March 2023, emergency services were called to an address on Beamish Road, Northmead, following reports of an explosion.
On arrival, officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command discovered an alleged clandestine lab, and assistance was sought from the Chemical Operations Unit, The Technical Forensic Support Unit and NSW Fire & Rescue to process the scene.
At the lab, police located and seized approximately 31kg of methamphetamine, 19 litres of of 1,4-Butanediol, 150kg of iodine, 170 litres of hypophosphorous acid, a gel blaster and other items consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs to an estimated street value of $8 million.
Strike Force Calula was established by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad to investigate further.
Following extensive inquiries, about 7.30am on Saturday (22 July 2023), strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Earlwood where they arrested a 32-year-old woman.
During a search of the home, police located and seized a mobile phone, a small quantity of methylamphetamine, documents and a vehicle.
A short time later, detectives attended an address in Bankstown, where they arrested a 31-year-old man.
About 12.20pm the same day, officers executed a search warrant at a storage unit on Commercial Road in Kingsgrove, where they located more documents and seized an unknown liquid.
The 31-year-old was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with eight offences including three counts of possess precursor intend to use in manufacture/production, two counts of supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity, manufacture prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity, possess unauthorised pistol and participate criminal group.
He was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday 23 July 2023, where he was formally refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Wednesday 20 September 2023.
The 32-year-old woman was taken to Burwood Police Station, where she was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, conceal serious indictable offence and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
She was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court, where she was formally refused bail to appear before Burwood Local Court today (Tuesday 25 July 2023)
Following further inquiries, about 6.10am today, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Zetland where they arrested a 37-year-old man.
He was taken to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with take part manufacture prohibited drug >= large comm qty, participate criminal group and conceal serious indictable offence.
The man was refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today.
