Other Stuff
Sydney drug lab found after tip-off
By Edmund Tadros
November 10, 2005 - 10:46AM
Black smoke coming out of a warehouse in north-west Sydney has has led to the
accidental discovery of a massive drug lab, NSW police say.
Witnesses told smh.com.au that they saw the smoke coming out of the factory in
Wellington Road, Riverstone, at around 1545 AEDT yesterday.
When the fire brigade arrived at 1640 AEDT they discovered a large amount of
drug-producing equipment, police say.
Officers found 2000 litres of chemicals and drug-making equipment inside,
Inspector Steve Wye from Quakers Hill police told ABC Radio.
The MDMA powder, or ecstasy, discovered is believed to have an estimated
potential street value of $1.6 million, police say.
"They obviously know what they're doing, [they know] the process from powder to
crystal to fluids," Insp Wye said.
"It's, according to the Hazmat (hazardous materials) fire brigade, one of the
largest they've ever seen."
No people were ever seen entering of leaving the warehouse, smh.com.au has been
told.
The property, located in the industrial area of Riverstone, is described as
having a single warehouse set towards the back of the lot.
A joint investigation is underway involving detectives from the Quakers Hill
Local Area Command and Drug Squad.
"Inquires will be undertaken by detectives as to who rents the premises, who
owns the premises," Insp Wye said.
"We will be following up a couple of other leads in relation to phone rentals,
etc as to who actually belongs to this unit."
- with AAP