Saturday, February 25, 2012

AUSTRALIA - Rebels gang member arrested in connection with drug lab

OFF THE WIRE
 hillsnews.com.au
An alleged senior member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang was arrested yesterday in connection with a drug lab found in Castle Hill last year.
Strike Force Raptor has been investigating a drug manufacturing syndicate in Sydney's west since discovering a dismantled clandestine laboratory, used for the manufacture of methylamphetamine (‘Ice’), at Castle Hill on September 22.

A large quantity of precursor chemicals and drug manufacturing equipment was seized from the property and one man remains before the court.

Following ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Raptor officers and Gangs Squad detectives, assisted by the Drug Squad’s Chemical Operations Team, executed search warrants at one home in Lalor Park and two homes in St Clair yesterday afternoon (Thursday, February 23).

At Heffron Road, Lalor Park, they located precursor chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, more than $50,000 cash and small amounts of drugs.

An alleged senior member of the Rebels, aged 42, was arrested and charged with possess precursors for the manufacture of prohibited drugs, recklessly deal with the proceeds of crime and supply prohibited drug. He was refused bail to face Blacktown Local Court today.

A 26-year-old woman will be issued a court attendance notice for possess prohibited drug and possess restricted substance, to appear at court at a later date.

At Auber Street, St Clair, police found a dismantled clandestine laboratory with precursor chemicals and drug manufacturing equipment still on site. A cannabis plant, a slingshot and a small amount of ‘Ice’ were also located.

A 37-year-old woman located at the home will be issued with a court attendance notice for possess prohibited drug and possess prohibited weapon, to appear at court at a later date.

At Explorers Way, St Clair, police seized a dismantled ‘box’ lab containing drug manufacturing equipment, precursor chemicals and a guide to manufacturing prohibited drugs.

Inquiries into the alleged drug manufacturing syndicate are continuing and Strike Force Raptor officers anticipate further arrests.

Strike Force Raptor was established by the State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad two years ago and is a proactive and high-impact operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprises.

Anyone wishing to assist Strike Force Raptor with information in relation to outlaw motorcycle gangs is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.