By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
MELTON Police raided and detected 11 clandestine drug laboratories in 2013 according to Victoria Police statistics.
The shocking figures come in the wake of Star’s report last week which revealed the highly addictive and harmful drug ice was being used by an increasing number of teenagers throughout the municipality.
The data shows four labs were detected in Melton, two in Melton South, and one each in Kurunjang, Caroline Springs, Diggers Rest, Hillside and Taylors Hill.
Last week Melton Police Inspector Stephen Mutton told Star police were targeting drug manufacturers and dealers to stamp out the growing problem.
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old Melton man was arrested earlier this month in relation to burglaries committed in Melton on 22 and 30 January. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Sunshine Court on a later date.
A 14-year-old Melton boy was arrested on 7 February in relation to a series of separate offences committed at Melton in late 2013. He has been charged with burglary and theft, theft of a motor car and theft from a motor car.