Man arrested after police allegedly uncover drug lab in Gladesville

A man has been arrested after a major drug laboratory was allegedly uncovered in a northern Sydney suburb as part of a network police claim involved drugs imported inside cookie tins and soup containers.

A man has been charged after a major drug laboratory was allegedly uncovered in a northern Sydney suburb.

Last month, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Aldred to investigate the alleged manufacture of prohibited drugs, mainly methylamphetamine.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators with assistance from the public order and riot squad searched a home in Gladesville about 7.45am on Wednesday.

At the home, police allege they located an active clandestine laboratory, approximately 50kg of crystallised methylamphetamine stored inside metal food tins, and equipment consistent with the manufacture of methylamphetamine.

Police will allege the laboratory was extracting drugs which had been imported via a complex concealment method in cookie tins and soup containers.

NSW Police photos from the property.

Officers arrested a 43-year-old man at a home in Pymble and charged him with manufacture and supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug.

He was refused bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court today.

A home was searched in Gladesville. Photo: NSW Police.

Police say items seized at the man’s home allegedly included cash, mobile phones, jewellery, and electronic devices.

Two additional search warrants were also carried out at storage sheds at Gladesville and Petersham about 3pm, where officers located several boxes of imported food products, also believed to contain methylamphetamine.

Pending further analysis of the items seized, police estimate the amount of methylamphetamine seized to be in excess of 100kg.

Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said the swift work of detectives over recent weeks has resulted in this prompt arrest and seizure.

“NSW Police is now working with international agencies to identify any other persons potentially involved in this alleged importation,” he said.

Investigations under Strike Force Aldred are continuing.