Three clandestine drug labs have been dismantled and more than $54,000 in cash seized following an investigation into the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine, according to police.
Officers from North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (RES) established Strike Force Badajoz to investigate and target the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs across north-west Sydney In February of this year.
"Following extensive inquiries, police stopped a 42-year-old man travelling with his six-year-old daughter at Webbs Creek Ferry, just after 6pm on Tuesday (September 17)," a police statement said.
"Police searched the man's vehicle and located more than $18,000 cash, as well as equipment and chemicals consistent with drug manufacture.
"The man was arrested and taken to Windsor police station, while alternate care arrangements were made for the child."
Shortly after the arrest, strike force investigators from Penrith RES and Gordon RES, with assistance from the Operational Support Group (OSG) and the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), executed three crime scene warrants at homes in Leets Vale, Pymble and Marayong.
A 51-year-old man was arrested at the Leets Vale property and taken to Windsor police station.
"On entry of the Marayong home, a 53-year-old man attempted to flee from police and sustained a cut to his forehead," police stated.
"The man was arrested and taken to Hawkesbury Hospital, before being taken to Riverstone police station."
Investigators uncovered clandestine drug laboratories all three of the homes, which are being examined and dismantled by the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team and specialist forensic officers.
"During the searches, police located 500g of methylamphetamine, equipment and chemicals consistent with drug manufacture, and a number of liquids with presumptive testing returning a positive indicator for methylamphetamine and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)," police stated.
"Officers also located more than $36,000 cash at the Marayong home, allegedly hidden in a wall cavity."
A 42-year-old man has been charged with manufacturing and supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, participating in a criminal group, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and manufacturing large commercial quantity of drugs exposing a child.
"Police will allege in court the man attended the Leets Vale property with the child prior to his arrest," police stated.
A 51-year-old man has been charged with manufacturing and supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, participating in a criminal group, and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Both men appeared at Penrith Local Court on September 18, where they were formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on November 15.
A 53-year-old man was charged with manufacturing a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He appeared at Blacktown Local Court on September 19, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on November 14.
Investigations under Strike Force Badajoz are continuing.
