Police have arrested a second man following the discovery of two dismantled clandestine drug laboratories in Sydney’s west last week.
On Thursday, February 23, Strike Force Raptor officers and Gangs Squad detectives, assisted by the Drug Squad’s Chemical Operations Team, executed search warrants at one home in Lalor Park and two homes in St Clair.
At Heffron Road, Lalor Park, they located precursor chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, more than $50,000 cash and small amounts of drugs.
At Auber Street, St Clair, police found a dismantled clandestine laboratory with precursor chemicals and drug-manufacturing equipment still on site. A cannabis plant, a slingshot and a small amount of ‘Ice’ were also located.
At Explorers Way, St Clair, police seized a dismantled ‘box’ lab containing drug manufacturing equipment, precursor chemicals and a guide to manufacturing prohibited drugs.
An alleged senior member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang was arrested and charged with possess precursors for the manufacture of prohibited drugs, recklessly deal with the proceeds of crime and supply prohibited drug. The 42-year-old man is currently before the courts.
Following ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Raptor detectives attended the Auber Street residence about 3pm yesterday (Monday 27 February 2012).
There they arrested a 31-year-old man, who they will allege is a Rebels associate.
The man was taken to Mount Druitt Police Station and charged with take part in manufacture of prohibited drug; possess prohibited drug; and possess instructions for manufacture of prohibited drug.
He was refused bail to appear at Mount Druitt Local Court today.
Strike Force Raptor has been investigating an alleged drug-manufacturing syndicate since last year. Inquiries are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established by the State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad two years ago and is a proactive and high-impact operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprises.
Anyone wishing to assist Strike Force Raptor with information in relation to outlaw motorcycle gangs is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For media enquiries, please contact State Crime Command on (02) 8835 9387.
