Wauchope man Daniel McCormack faces Port Macquarie court after allegedly being caught with mobile drug lab, stolen truck

A Mid-North Coast man allegedly picked up travelling on the highway with a “clandestine” lab in a stolen truck and trailer has faced court flanked by supporters.

Port Macquarie Courthouse. Picture: Peter Lorimer

A Wauchope man allegedly picked up travelling on the highway with a mobile drug lab in a stolen truck and trailer has appeared in court flanked by supporters.

Daniel McCormack, 40, is facing several charges stemming from a Mid-North Coast Proactive Crime Team operation.

Police officers from the team were patrolling Hastings River Drive when they stopped a truck and trailer reported as stolen about 11pm on June 26.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly found items consistent with a “clandestine” laboratory, including glass beakers and chemicals.

Police allege that further checks confirmed the truck was stolen from a Newcastle address in February. It’s alleged the trailer was stolen from Taree on June 17.

Daniel McCormack leaves Port Macquarie Local Court on August 9.

Daniel McCormack leaves Port Macquarie Local Court on August 9.

Police state Hazmat crews from Fire and Rescue NSW had to attend and make the scene safe before the truck and trailer were towed for analysis by forensic specialists.

McCormack was arrested and charged with knowingly driving a stolen conveyance (an Isuzu tip truck) and having unlawfully obtained goods in his custody (a bonanza plant trailer with Kubota excavator) reasonably suspected of being stolen.

He was also charged with using a registrable vehicle without displaying authorised number plates. driving with a suspended licence and having unlawfully obtained goods (Victorian and NSW number plates) in his custody.

McCormack has not yet entered a plea to the charges.

McCormack briefly appeared in Port Macquarie Local Court on August 9 and the case was adjourned to August 23.