Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad seized drugs, chemicals and a number of high-end stolen goods following the execution of a series of warrants across Victoria today.
Warrants were executed at residential, commercial and rural properties in Yarra Glen, Brighton East and Cheltenham as part of an investigation into the large-scale manufacture of methylamphetamine at short term rental properties.
A 36-year-old Brighton East man, a 38-year-old Clyde man and a 35-year-old Brighton East woman were arrested.
All three are currently being interviewed by police.
Police located a large clandestine laboratory at the Yarra Glen property with commercial quantities of unknown liquids, believed to be liquid methylamphetamine and precursor chemicals.
A quantity of methylamphetamine was also seized directly from two of the people arrested.
Police also seized cash, false identification, and a number of high-end stolen goods, including two allegedly stolen BMWs, drones, racing bikes and industrial equipment.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Gerry McKenna, Officer in Charge of the Clandestine Laboratory Squad:
‘Today’s result is incredibly satisfying – drugs are a significant driver of crime and community harm across the state and are a strong focus for Victoria Police
‘Illicit drug labs pose significant health and safety risks to the community and many of the chemicals involved in drug manufacture are highly volatile, explosive or carcinogenic in nature.
‘Residual contamination resulting from the manufacture of these illicit substances presents a serious risk to human and environmental health.
‘Sadly, this is another example of drug syndicates taking advantage of short term rental properties as a location to manufacture drugs.
‘The cost to the legitimate owners of this property is likely to be immense, and there may be damage to the address that is not recoverable.’
