Two men will re-appear in court today after police located a large-scale clan lab as part of investigations into the manufacture of prohibited drugs in the state’s Southern Tablelands.
In August 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad, assisted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and South Australia Police, established Strike Force Bluffview to investigate the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine (ice).
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from Australian Federal Police, executed a crime scene warrant at a rural property at Harolds Cross, about 30km south west of Braidwood, just after 8.30am on Saturday (11 January 2020).
AFP tactical officers arrested two men at the property – a 37-year-old man from Seaford Rise, South Australia, and a 38-year-old man from Big Hill, NSW.
During the warrant, strike force investigators located 45 litres of methylamphetamine oil and large-scale clandestine laboratories in two sheds.
The labs were rendered safe before police commenced the dismantling process, which is continuing.
Investigators have located more than 500 items consistent with drug manufacture, including eight stainless steel condensers, a 1000-litre stainless steel reaction vessel, glassware, precursors, gas burners, and several gas bottles.
The items will be examined by officers from the Chemical Operations Unit over the coming days.
A third shed consisting of living quarters and chemical and equipment storage was also searched, where detectives found a rifle, a shotgun, $4500 cash, mobile phones, electronic equipment and documents.
The men were taken to Queanbeyan Police Station and charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).
Police will allege in court that the older man travelled from South Australia to NSW via Melbourne and Canberra on Thursday 9 January 2020, before meeting the younger and engaging in the manufacture of ice.
They were both refused bail and appeared at Queanbeyan Local Court yesterday (Sunday 12 January 2020), where they were formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court today (Monday 13 January 2020).
Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson, said clandestine laboratories of this size posed an unacceptable risk of harm, not only to those involved, but also to unsuspecting residents living nearby.
“Investigators have uncovered an elaborate set-up with industrial size equipment,” Det Supt Watson said.
“A ventilation system was found within one of the sheds, as well as a number of irrigations hoses hanging from the ceiling, which are consistent with the use of condensers fitted to reaction vessels and used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine.
“The location of this property is not far from bushfires still impacting the southern region and we know illicit substances, such as ice, are manufactured in volatile environments, which presents serious risks of explosions and contamination.
“The activities we have observed at this site show a blatant disregard for human life and the potential to cause catastrophic damage.”
Investigations under Strike Force Bluffview are continuing.
Anyone with information in relation to the importation 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.
