Raptor Squad detectives charge three men after clandestine lab discovered in Lidcombe

Three men will face court today, charged by Raptor Squad detectives after the discovery of a clandestine lab and alleged drug operation running out of Sydney’s west.

Just after 6pm yesterday (Wednesday 28 June 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from South West Metropolitan Region’s Regional Enforcement Squad – executed a search warrant at an address on Eric Crescent in Lidcombe.

Two men – aged 27 and 26 – were arrested at the address and taken to Auburn Police Station.

During a search of the property, police located and seized approximately 30kg of suspected cannabis and items consistence with a clandestine lab in the kitchen.

Assistance was sought from Drug and Firearms Squad Chemical Operations Unit, Technical and Forensic Support Unit, and NSW Fire & Rescue HAZMAT team to dismantle the lab.

About 9.15pm, detectives – with assistance from South West Metropolitan Region Operation Support Group – executed a search warrant at an address on Cyril Place in Baulkham Hills.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Auburn Police Station.

During a search of the property, police located and seized approximately 50kg of suspected cannabis, 6 grams of a white powder substance believed to be cocaine and 1 gram of a brown crystal matter believed to be methylamphetamine.

All items seized will undergo further forensic examination.

The three men were charged with supplying prohibited drug>= commercial quantity and participating in a criminal group.

They were refused bail to appear before Burwood Local Court today (Thursday 29 June 2023).

Anyone with information that may assist investigators 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.

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