George Sofokleous charged after two meth labs busted and $10 million in drugs stopped from hitting streets

George Sofokleous’ alleged operations were first stumbled upon by police in April, when they shutdown a meth lab in Rhodes. This week they allegedly found another one in North Ryde.

One of two drug labs allegedly run by George Sofokleous, which were uncovered by Raptor Squad this year. Picture: NSW Police

Two major suburban drug labs have been shut down and the alleged man behind them arrested, with police estimating they have stopped $10 million worth of illicit substances from hitting Australian streets.

George Sofokleous’ alleged operations were first stumbled upon by police in April, when they shutdown a meth lab at Rhodes, in the city’s inner west, inside which they allegedly found 6kg of methylamphetamine and 2kg of cocaine.

As a result State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad launched Strike Force Whitticase to investigate the large scale production.

Detectives allegedly seized $10 million worth of drugs from the labs in drug labs in Rhodes and North Ryde. Picture: NSW Police

Four months later they allegedly caught Sofokleous red handed driving through the same suburb with four litres of precursor chemicals - used to make drugs - a gas mask and electronic devices in the back of his Mercedes van.

Not only did detectives seize what was in the van, but also made Sofokleous old undergo a roadside drug test which allegedly showed he was driving under the influence of ice.

The 35-year-old was arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station, while detectives moved to a North Ryde home where they carried out a search warrant.

Inside the home they allegedly discovered a second drug lab, also producing large quantities of methylamphetamine.

Strike force officers located and sized over 10kg of methylamphetamine, taking the total drugs seized between both labs to an estimated street value of over $10 million.

Sofokleous was charged with two counts of manufacture large commercial prohibited drug, two counts of supply large commercial prohibited drug, two counts of drive while disqualified, two counts of enter drug premises and possess ID info to commit indictable offence.

Sofokleous appeared in Burwood Local Court on Friday where he made no application for bail at it was formally refused and the case was put over until October 16.

Investigations under Strike Force Whitticase continue.