Mass arrests after man torches $50m Revesby meth lab with police raiding party inside
Seven people have been charged months after the discovery of a multimillion-dollar meth lab that one man tried to set on fire while officers were guarding the site.
Police found an inactive clandestine lab at an industrial complex at Revesby, in southwest Sydney, in March after an investigation into organised drug supply.
During a search, officers seized more than 12 kg of methamphetamine and precursors with an estimated street value of over $6 million.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But an operation to dismantle the lab almost went awry when a man on the roof of the building attempted to set the facility alight with police inside before he fled the scene.
The fire was put out and no one was injured.
Six months later, police raided 10 properties, mostly across Sydney’s west and southwest, as part of the investigation.
Cigarettes worth $1.8 million, 100 kg of loose tobacco, $37,000 in cash, small amounts of cannabis and multiple electronic devices were seized on Tuesday.
Police allege the lab produced hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, with an estimated street value of more than $50 million.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said lives had been saved as a result of the operation.
“The sale of these drugs we believe has also fuelled organised crime across this state,” he said in a statement.
“For those criminals out there, who have been profiting from putting these dangerous substances into our communities, know it is a matter of time before we come for you.”
Six men and one woman were arrested, although none were charged over the attempted arson.
Five were charged with taking part in the manufacture of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and participating in a criminal group.
All were refused bail and appeared before various courts on Tuesday.
The remaining two people were accused of dealing with the proceeds of crime and illegal tobacco possession.
They were granted conditional bail to appear before Burwood Local Court later in September.
