Emma Humphries and Clare Murray bailed after ABF officers intercept candles containing pseudoephedrine
Two women have been released on bail after Australian Border Force officials allegedly intercepted candles full of drugs, leading to the discovery of a clandestine laboratory.
North & North East
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Two women accused of importing candles laced with pseudoephedrine have both been released from custody.
Clare Carmel Bernadette Murray, 39, was granted home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, after a clandestine laboratory was also allegedly discovered.
Her co-accused, Emma Jade Humphries, 34, was granted home detention bail last week.
Australian Border Force officials intercepted four parcels of candles from Canada which they allege contained a significant quantity of pseudoephedrine – a precursor for making methamphetamine – in the candle wax.
ABF led a joint operation with SA Police Serious and Organised Crime Branch and raided a Vale Park property on September 7 where they allegedly discovered and seized a clandestine drug laboratory, 16 litres of the drug fantasy and about $69,000 in cash.
Ms Murray and Ms Humphries, both of Vale Park, are yet to enter pleas to manufacturing a controlled drug, trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs and money laundering.
Ms Murray is also charged with drug importation offences.
ABF Inspector Steve Garden said the force worked closely with SA Police to investigate attempts to import precursor drugs like pseudoephedrine into the state.
“Pseudoephedrine is a commonly used ingredient to manufacture methamphetamine that ultimately ends up on the streets of Adelaide causing untold misery,” he said.
“We work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal activities to bring the manufacturers of these harmful drugs before the courts.
“This collaboration is a vital part of our investigative work, without which our job would be much more difficult.”
Serious and Organised Crime Branch Detective Chief Inspector David Huddy said the joint agency partnership led to the discovery and seizure of a clandestine laboratory, that was inherently dangerous due to the highly volatile ingredients used and the process undertaken.”
On Thursday, Magistrate Karim Soetratma granted Ms Murray bail and adjourned the women’s charges until December.
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