Police seize more than 100kg of meth in suburban drug lab bust

In a series of searches Australian Federal Police busted a drug syndicate and its clandestine suburban laboratory.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have disrupted a criminal syndicate and busted their suburban meth lab in Sydney’s west.

The Fairfield East home was raided on 19 June, where investigators found a clandestine drug lab.

In their search the AFP found 77kg of drug-impregnated materials, 39kg of pre-manufactured methamphetamine, and 35kg of liquid allegedly containing methamphetamine.

The raid came after a lengthy probe into the syndicate, starting in October 2023.

US Customs initially detected 27kg of meth headed to Australia concealed in blankets from South America, with intelligence passed on to AFP.

It is alleged the blankets were saturated in the drug, and had an estimated street value of $25m.

The smuggling attempt was linked to a phone number that had previously tried to smuggle drugs across the border.

Following further investigations police searched two properties in Sydney’s western suburbs in April last year.

At a Cabramatta home police located two electronic devices, while at a Canley Vale house they located an encrypted communication device which police later examined.

Police inquiries led their search to the Fairfield East home.

More than 100kg of alleged drugs were seized at the property. Picture: NewsWIre Handout

A red press was found at the home. Picture: NewsWIre Handout

Inquiries remain ongoing into the syndicate.

AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said that criminal groups are only motivated by greed and profit.

“The people behind importations like this have no regard for the harm and damage that illicit drugs wreak on the Australian community every minute of every day,” Superintendent Blunden said.

“I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all the AFP members involved in these investigations, from investigators and intelligence members to all of our other support capabilities.

“I also wish to thank our counterparts at NSW Police, in particular the Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations team for their specialist and expert assistance in this matter.”

Images from the search of the Fairfield East home show tubs of alleged drugs, what appears to be a kitchen lab, and a red press.

Electronic devices found at the home will be subject to further examination.

No arrests or charges have been made at this time.