Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged four men as they continue to dismantle a large clandestine laboratory located on the state’s Central Coast this morning.
Last year, detectives from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team established Strike Force Kavieng to investigate the activities of an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs across the state.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives – with the assistance of Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant at an Eastlakes property just after 9pm yesterday (Sunday 9 January 2022).
During the search, police located and seized 338 grams of methylamphetamine, $2750 cash, prohibited glassware, clothing and electronic devices.
A 37-year-old man was arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station.
About 9.30pm (Sunday 9 January 2022), Strike Force Kavieng detectives – assisted by officers attached to Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS) and Northern Region Operations Support Group (OSG) – executed a crime scene warrant at a Blue Bay property, and a further search warrant at a Long Jetty address.
Two men – aged 43 and 48 – were arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station after they attempted to leave the Blue Bay property in a vehicle as police attended the address.
More than $100,000 cash and approximately 1kg of methylamphetamine was subsequently located inside their car.
A short time later, police arrested a 37-year-old man at the Long Jetty address.
Several items consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs were located at both properties, while at the Blue Bay address, officers also uncovered a clandestine laboratory containing various chemicals and solvents.
That property was examined and rendered safe with the assistance of Fire & Rescue NSW HAZMAT; specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team continue to examine and dismantle the laboratory today.
All items and substances seized during the operation will undergo further forensic examination.
A 37-year-old Eastlakes man has since been charged with four offences, including manufacture large commercial quantity-expose child, manufacture prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, possess drug manufacture apparatus make prohibited drug, and supply prohibited drug more than commercial quantity.
He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Monday 10 January 2022).
A 43-year-old man has been charged with 15 offences, including;
- manufacture large commercial quantity-expose child
- manufacture prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity
- supply prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity
- deal with property proceeds of crime more than $100,000
- supply prohibited drug more than indictable amount
- possess prohibited drug, and,
- participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and,
- drive motor vehicle during disqualification period – 2nd+off (x8)
Meanwhile, two men – aged 48 and 37 – were charged with take part manufacture prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 37-year-old Long Jetty man was additionally charged with eight counts of possess drug manufacture apparatus make prohibited drug.
All three men were refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court today (Monday 10 January 2022).
Investigations under Strike Force Kavieng continue.
Anyone with information about the manufacture and 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. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
