Chemicals For $225 MILLION Of Meth Found In Terrigal, Killcare & West Gosford Properties

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Image: NSW Police Force

Update 1600

Two men have been charged and more than 400kg of precursors seized following an investigation into the importation, manufacture, and supply of prohibited drugs on the Central Coast and Sydney’s west.

In May 2017, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad, with the assistance of the Australian Border Force, established Strike Force Footman after receiving information that chemicals and precursors were being imported from overseas to manufacture MDMA and methylamphetamine.

Earlier in the investigation, detectives seized 100kg of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), which has an estimated potential street value of more than $300,000.

On Thursday 30 August 2018, a clandestine laboratory was located at Ashtead Parade, Stanhope Gardens, following an explosion.

The lab was dismantled and forensically processed, with detectives seizing precursors relevant to the investigation, and 9kg of ‘ice’ and 1.5L of meth oil; these drugs have a combined estimated potential street value of almost $7 million.

Following further inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at a caravan park at Diamond Beach and a search warrant was executed about 10am on Tuesday (6 November 2018).

Detectives seized several items, including pill press dyes, documentation relating to the manufacture of prohibited drugs, electronic devices, and steroids.

The man was taken to Forster Police Station where he was charged. He remains before the courts.

About 6.30am today (Thursday 8 November 2018), a 32-year-old man was arrested at a unit complex in Terrigal and taken to Gosford Police Station.

Shortly after the arrest, strike force detectives executed three search warrants at properties in Terrigal and Killcare, and a storage facility in West Gosford.

Investigators seized several items, including more than 400kg of precursors, pill press parts, and equipment used to manufacture illicit drugs.

This amount of precursor could make up to 250kg of ‘ice’, which would have an estimated potential street value of $225 million.

The man was charged with 14 drug offences, participate in a criminal group, and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.

He was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court tomorrow (Friday 9 November 2018).

Drug and Firearms Squad Commander Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Cook said, while police have seized drugs and precursors potentially worth more than $230 million, the investigation doesn’t end here.

“NSW Police Force – and our law enforcement partners – are determined and relentless in their pursuit to disrupt the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs in the community,” Det A/Supt Cook said.

“This approach is working; in the past financial year, we have seen an increase of 47 per cent in locating and dismantling clandestine laboratories.

“We will continue to work to detect and seize illegal drugs using various methods and by targeting drug supply and possession at all levels.

“Those involved in the manufacture or supply of drugs should know this – you are in our sights and it won’t be long now until you’re sitting in the back of a police car.”

Investigations under Strike Force Footman continue.

Anyone with information about this incident 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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Earlier -  

A man's been arrested in Terrigal this morning, as an eighteen month long investigation into the manufacture and supply of illegal drugs on the Central Coast starts to yield results.

The 32 year old remains at Gosford police station, while detectives attached to Strike force Footman are also still executing search warrants in Terrigal, Killcare and West Gosford.

It follows a 38 year man being arrested on the mid north coast on Tuesday - so far more than 250 kilos of precursor chemicals and pill presses have been uncovered.


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8 November 2018




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