Drug sting: Men charged over massive $5 million meth bust in south west Sydney

Police have pulled off a huge covert drug bust nabbing the alleged distributors with over $5 million in methylamphetamine and other drugs.

Three men have appeared in court charged by Drug and Firearms Squad detectives after a large commercial clandestine laboratory was located and $5 million of methylamphetamine allegedly seized in Sydney’s south west this week.

In March 2024, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad – with the assistance of the Australian Border Force (ABF) – commenced an investigation under Strike Force Reply into the alleged manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs, in particular methylamphetamine.

The investigation was launched after ABF made several detections at the border, found to contain border-controlled precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Raptor and Public Order Riot Squads and Fire and Rescue NSW – executed four search warrants on properties at Revesby, Bankstown, Sefton, and Parramatta on Tuesday.

During the search at Revesby, detectives allegedly found an industrial-scale clandestine laboratory located within two detached granny flats at the property plus purpose-built reaction vessels, chemical glassware and other items consistent with drug manufacture were also located and seized.

Drugs totalling 3.5kg of methylamphetamine, 88kg of GHB, and almost 150kg of precursor chemicals, capable of producing hundreds of kilograms of methylamphetamine were also found on the premises.

Specialist police from the Chemical Operations Team were deployed and are dismantling the lab.

At Bankstown, two men, aged 30 and 35 were arrested and detectives allegedly discovered a clandestine laboratory. During a subsequent search, detectives seized 2kg of methylamphetamine, a pistol, $150,000 cash, ammunition, electronic devices and cannabis.

At Sefton, the occupant, a 42-year-old man, was arrested with detectives seizing clothing, mobile phones, electronic storage, and a gel blaster pistol.

At Parramatta, detectives seized electronic devices and clothing relevant to the offence as well as chemicals, and equipment used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs.

The total street value of all drugs seized is estimated to be $5.5 million.

The three men were all taken to Bankstown Police Station where they were each charged with manufacturing drug - a large commercial quantity of and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The 35-year-old man was also charged with supply prohibited drug - large commercial quantity, recklessly deal proceeds of crime $100,000 or more and possessing an authorised pistol.

The 42-year-old man was also charged with possess unauthorised pistol and drive while licence suspended.

They appeared at Parramatta Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 26 June 2024), where they were formally refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Wednesday 21 August 2024.

Investigations under Strike Force Reply continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.