Millions of dollars worth of meth stopped from hitting streets

The inactive clandestine lab was located at a Revesby industrial complex in March following an investigation into organised drug supply in Sydney.
During a search of the lab, it’s alleged 12kg of methylamphetamine and precursors estimated to have a street value of over $6 million were found.
Specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit, the Technical Forensic Support Unit and NSW Fire & Rescue were called for assistance dismantling the lab and to conduct a forensic examination.
A crime scene guard was put in place overnight as the dismantling process occurred.
During this process, police located a man on the roof of the lab allegedly attempting to set it alight with police inside before he fled the scene.
The fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the scene and no one was injured.
Raptor Squad officers took carriage of the matter and established Strike Force Ooranga to investigate the lab and the arson.
Following extensive investigations, strike force officers with assistance from specialist police executed 10 search warrants across Sydney including Yagoona, Prestons, Heckenberg, Narellan and Croydon Park yesterday.
During these searches, officers allegedly located and seized over $1.8 million in illicit cigarettes, 100kg of loose tobacco, $37,000 in cash, small amounts of cannabis and multiple electronic devices.
Strike force officers arrested a 28-year-old Narellan man, 39-year-old Yagoona man, 27-year-old Heckenberg man, 31-year-old Prestons man, 40-year-old Yagoona man and 33-year-old Croydon Park man and a 33-year-old Croydon Park woman.
The 28-year-old was charged with taken part manufacture prohibited drug large commercial quantity, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000.
The 27, 31, 39 and 40-year-olds were charged with manufacture prohibited drug large commercial quantity and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The Croydon Park man and woman were charged with deal with property – proceeds of crime, possession of tobacco more than 100kg and convey/possess tobacco recklessly defraud revenue.
Police will allege the lab produced hundreds of kilos of methamphetamine with an estimated street value in excess of $50 million.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, Commander of Raptor Squad, said targeting groups like this makes the city significantly safer by reducing the supply of such dangerous drugs.
“These drugs are incredibly dangerous and by targeting the alleged sources we have potentially saved thousands of lives there is no doubt about it,” he said.
“The sale of these drugs we believe has also fuelled organised crime across this state. For those criminals out there, who have been profiting from putting these dangerous substances into our communities, know it is a matter of time before we come for you.”
Investigations under Strike Force Ooranga continue.