Nathan Hynes: Police uncover backyard meth lab in Mildura

Police uncovered chemicals and equipment believed to be part of a backyard meth lab in a bungalow near Mildura, a court has heard.

Beakers and chemicals were found in an Irymple bungalow.

Police uncovered an apparent backyard bungalow meth lab when they searched a property near Mildura.

Irymple man Nathan John Hynes pleaded guilty on Monday at Mildura Magistrates’ Court to various drugs and weapons charges, including possessing equipment relating to trafficking.

Police told the court a search warrant was executed on March 19 at a Morpung Ave address.

The court heard Hynes was seen exiting a bungalow at the rear of the property which police later discovered was his bedroom.

Inside police said they found a “large number of chemicals” and lab glassware, including beakers and a breathing apparatus.

The court heard many of the items were consistent with, and required for, the manufacture and refinement of methylamphetamine.

Police said almost $2000 in cash, cocaine, 300g of cannabis, methylamphetamine, an imitation firearm and firearm parts were also found.

Hynes was unemployed at the time.

The court was told phone conversations were had between Hynes and Mildura drug identities.

Hynes had initially sought bail and for the matter to be adjourned to a contested hearing.

Hynes’ lawyer said there had been a dispute about how much methylamphetamine was found at the property and a formal forensic report was expected to take 8-10 weeks.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan said the origins and purpose of the items in the bungalow remained unexplained.

Bail was refused and, after a sentence indication was given, Hynes pleaded guilty.

Hynes was convicted and sentenced to eight months in prison for possessing equipment in relation to trafficking, trafficking methylamphetamine, trafficking cannabis, prohibited person possessing a firearm and possessing a prohibited weapon.

He was also convicted and discharged on possession of drugs and cartridge ammunition.

Hynes served 66 days in pre-sentence detention.

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