Wallsend: Hazmat called in after drug-manufacturing chemicals allegedly found in car

Police allege the car contained “precursor” chemicals and tools, meth and GBL.

The men were arrested on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Trevor Veale.

Chemicals and tools used to manufacture drugs have allegedly been found during a vehicle search at Wallsend.

NSW Fire and Rescue’s Hazardous Materials team was called to Cowper St just before noon on Tuesday, after the items were allegedly uncovered by police.

Officers had pulled over a Subaru Forrester to arrest its occupants – two men aged 26 and 30 – for alleged traffic offences and outstanding warrants.

Police alleged a search of the Subaru turned up chemical “precursors” consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs, as well as drug paraphernalia, methylamphetamine and GBL.

Hazmat cleared the scene before it was processed by officers from the State Crime Command’s Chemical Operations Team.

The 30-year-old, Richard Thomas from Jesmond, was charged with driving a motor vehicle during the disqualification period.

He did not enter a plea and was denied bail in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.

Thomas will return to court on January 11.

The 26-year-old, Cody Rowe from Raymond Terrace, was charged with four outstanding warrants for drugs, weapons, property and breach of bail offences.

Rowe was granted bail and will reappear on January 18.

Police investigations into the alleged drug offences are ongoing.