POLICE uncovered more more clandestine laboratories in Melton City recently.
Police told Star two drug labs were discovered in as many weeks in Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill. These latest discoveries come on the back of raids across properties in Melbourne’s West last week, where mature cannabis plants were located and a number of precursor chemicals for the manufacture of illicit drugs were seized.
Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks from the Melton Criminal Investigation Unit said on 30 January police attended an address in Yendon Close, Caroline Springs, after receiving an anonymous call from a member of the public who believed firearm shots had been fired.
Det Sen Sgt Jenks said police arrived to find a large amount of cash and evidence of drug trafficking and manufacturing taking place.
A firearm was found at the premises and four males, including a 23-year-old St Albans man, were arrested.
Meanwhile, police uncovered a clandestine drug laboratory while conducting a search warrant at a Taylors Hill address last Wednesday.
The discovery was made while searching for a stolen motorcycle at the Byron Place property. Another stolen motorcycle and a firearm were also recovered from the premises. Det Sen Sgt Jenks said a 25-year-old Taylors Hill man has been charged with theft, drug and firearms offences. He has been remanded in custody.
Det Sen Sgt Jenks last week told Star these “homemade” labs posed a serious threat to the community.
“There is not only the potential to increase the availability of drugs such as ice and amphetamines but there is inherent risks involved where unqualified novices are experimenting with volatile chemicals,” he said.
Neighbouring municipality Moorabool was also the scene of further raids last week when police from Moorabool CIU arrested four people following covert investigations into drug trafficking and manufacturing in the Bacchus Marsh area.
Operation Blackwork culminated in a search at a private residence in Underbank Blvd last Wednesday .
Police located a clandestine laboratory, as well as quantities of what is believed to be amphetamine, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and cannabis. A 0.22 calibre handgun was also seized.
Three men at the Underbank Blvd residence were taken into custody and will be charged with manufacturing amphetamines, possessing implements to manufacture a drug of dependence, possessing a drug of dependence and firearms offences.
A 31-year-old man from Melton has also been charged with possession of drugs of dependence and has been bailed to appear before the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 24 May.
Investigations are continuing.
