Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have uncovered a "large sophisticated" clandestine laboratory in the Central West as part of a massive, state-wide operation that's smashed an alleged drug ring with an estimated street value of more than $40 million.
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The massive bust was part of a huge operation, with strike force detectives executing further search warrants at properties at Prospect, Bonnyrigg Heights, Millers Point, Hunters Hill and St Clair from 6am on Thursday.
A further two crime scene warrants were also executed at a separate property at Pemulwuy and a remote rural property at Pyramul - about 70km north of Bathurst.
At the remote rural property at Pryamul, police uncovered a large sophisticated clandestine laboratory.
During the initial deconstruction, officers located a further 15kg of cocaine, as well as chemicals and thousands of litres of liquids.
Further items including cars, motorcycles and two air rifles were also seized.
All items and substances seized during the operation will undergo further forensic examination.
Two men - aged 33 and 54 - were arrested during a vehicle stop at Pyramul.
In a subsequent search of the Mitsubishi Triton, officers located several buckets containing 140kg of liquid - believed to be further unrefined cocaine.
The younger man was charged with five counts of supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity. He was refused bail to appear at Lithgow Local Court today (Friday 13 August 2021).
The older man was issued a $1000 PIN for breaching the Public Health Order and released pending further inquiries.
A further two men - aged 51 and 53 - were arrested at the Pyramul property and taken to Mudgee Police Station.
The younger man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The older man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), deal with property proceeds of crime and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Mudgee Local Court today (Friday 13 August 2021).
Officers are working with the Department of Home Affairs regarding the visa status of the older man.
The combined estimated potential street value of the illicit drugs seized during the operation is more than $40 million.
Investigations under Strike Force Vindin are continuing.
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