Photo credit: NSW Police
Sydney police have seized gold bullion, silver, a large quantity of cash, ammunition and drugs following a raid at a clandestine drug laboratory hidden in a unit complex.
Detectives from the Criminal Group Squad have alleged in court that the man arrested on the scene was involved in the large-scale manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney.
The bust took place on Friday morning when, following extensive investigations, officers executed a search warrant at a unit at Rhodes in Sydney’s Inner West.
“Upon entry, detectives uncovered a large-scale clandestine laboratory in the garage of the unit, including equipment and chemicals consistent with the supply and manufacture of prohibited drugs,” NSW Police said.
“Specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit attended and examined the property, which is currently in the process of being dismantled.”
During the search, about 10 kilograms of liquid, powder and crystal – believed to be various form of methylamphetamine ‘ice’ – was located.
The search team also seized $400,000 in cash, silver and gold bullion and ammunition.
Later in the day, the same investigators from Strike Force Smede – which was established last year to investigate the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney – executed a second search warrant at a vault at Castlereagh Street in the city.
During the search, officers located and seized about $230,000 in silver and gold bullion and a large amount of cash.
The 47-year-old man arrested at the Rhodes home was taken to Burwood Police Station.
He was charged with manufacturing a prohibited drug in more than a large commercial quantity, supplying a prohibited drug in more than a large commercial quantity, organise/conducts/assists drug premises, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Police say investigations are continuing and more charges are expected to be laid.