Drug raids at Terrigal, Killcare and West Gosford

VIDEO: Two men have been charged and more than 400kg of precursors seized following an investigation into the importation, manufacture, and supply of prohibited drugs on the Central Coast and Sydney’s west.

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TWO men have been charged and more than 400kg of precursors seized following an investigation into the importation, manufacture, and supply of prohibited drugs on the Central Coast and Sydney’s west.

Raids took place at Terrigal, Killcare and West Gosford where drug precursors, pill press parts, and equipment used to manufacture illicit drugs were seized.

In May 2017, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad, with the assistance of the Australian Border Force, established Strike Force Footman after receiving information that chemicals and precursors were being imported from overseas to manufacture MDMA and methylamphetamine.

Drums of precursor chemicals have been seized.

Earlier in the investigation, detectives seized 100kg of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), which has an estimated potential street value of more than $300,000.

Then on Thursday, August 30 this year, a clandestine laboratory was located at Ashtead Parade, Stanhope Gardens, following an explosion.

The lab was dismantled and forensically processed, with detectives seizing precursors relevant to the investigation, and 9kg of ‘ice’ and 1.5L of meth oil; these drugs have a combined estimated potential street value of almost $7 million.

Following further inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at a caravan park at Diamond Beach and a search warrant was executed about 10am on Tuesday (6 November 2018).

Detectives seized several items, including pill press dyes, documentation relating to the manufacture of prohibited drugs, electronic devices, and steroids.

The man was taken to Forster Police Station where he was charged. He remains before the courts.

Drums of precursor chemicals have been seized.

RAIDS AT TERRIGAL AND KILLCARE

About 6.30am today (Thursday), a 32-year-old man was arrested at a unit complex in Terrigal and taken to Gosford Police Station.

Shortly after the arrest, strike force detectives executed three search warrants at properties in Terrigal and Killcare, and a storage facility in West Gosford.

Investigators seized several items, including more than 400kg of precursors, pill press parts, and equipment used to manufacture illicit drugs.

Police raid a home in the early hours of this morning.

This amount of precursor could make up to 250kg of ‘ice’, which would have an estimated potential street value of $225 million.

The man was charged with 14 drug offences, participate in a criminal group, and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.

He was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court tomorrow (Friday 9 November).

Police officer during today's drug raids.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Drug and Firearms Squad Commander Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Cook said, while police have seized drugs and precursors potentially worth more than $230 million, the investigation doesn’t end here.

“NSW Police Force – and our law enforcement partners – are determined and relentless in their pursuit to disrupt the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs in the community,” Det A/Supt Cook said.

A man handcuffed, with police officers nearby.

“This approach is working; in the past financial year, we have seen an increase of 47 per cent in locating and dismantling clandestine laboratories.

“We will continue to work to detect and seize illegal drugs using various methods and by targeting drug supply and possession at all levels.

“Those involved in the manufacture or supply of drugs should know this – you are in our sights and it won’t be long now until you’re sitting in the back of a police car.”

Investigations under Strike Force Footman continue.