Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad have seized a range of items including a Lego collection valued at over $200,000 and two cases of gems as part of an investigation into methylamphetamine manufacture in Botanic Ridge.
Police executed a warrant on the Carissa Drive residence on Tuesday morning and located a clandestine laboratory in a shed attached to the house.
A 36-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were also arrested.
The pair have been interviewed and the man was subsequently charged with the following:
• Traffick large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine;
• Possess substance, equipment or material for trafficking;
• Knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime;
• Non-prohibited person possess an imitation firearm;
• Possess a wi-fi jammer;
• Possess ecstasy; and
• Fail to answer bail.
He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was remanded to appear again on 21 February, 2024.
The woman was released without charge.
During a search of the property, police located a number of items including a quantity of methylamphetamine, an imitation firearm, cash and two pelican cases filled with high-quality gemstones.
They also found a significant Lego collection so large that investigators will require a truck to transport it from the address. In total, over 1,130 boxes of Lego were seized.
Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad are continuing to process the lab with assistance from forensic chemists and the Disaster Victim Identification team.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Please note: DVI respond to matters involving hazardous materials including the examination of clandestine laboratories.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Anthony Vella, Clandestine Laboratory Squad:
“It’s not unusual for police to seize a range of different items from a property as part of an investigation like this, however this is more often drugs or cash. This is the first time our detectives have seized a Lego collection – let alone one so large that it requires specific transportation to remove it.
“We will allege that the items seized from this address are the proceeds of crime, and detectives will work closely with specialist investigators from the Criminal Proceeds Squad in relation to any assets.
“This is a large lab and one that is capable of producing significant amounts of illicit drugs, in particular methylamphetamine.
“These drugs then enter the community and cause further harm, whether that’s from a health perspective or the criminality that often goes hand in hand with drug offences.
“These arrests and seizures are a great result for investigators and highlight our commitment to targeting those involved in drug manufacture and holding them to account.”
