Strike force charges three men after old meth lab allegedly found near Goulburn

Three men were arrested after an inactive drug lab was allegedly found at Marulan. Photo: NSW Police.

Police have charged three men after allegedly uncovering an inactive meth laboratory near Goulburn during their investigation into Sydney drug supply.

Strike Force Crear had been established to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs, in particular methylamphetamine, throughout the NSW capital.

NSW Police said detectives and other officers, including the riot squad, raided a property at Marulan on Thursday afternoon (17 August) where they arrested two 49-year-old men.

Police allegedly found a large, inactive clandestine laboratory in an industrial shed at the back of the property as well as items thought to be used in the manufacturing of drugs, such as about 16 kg of methylamphetamine oil.

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

Footage of the search shows the riot squad bursting through the door of the property and arresting the men after announcing their presence, then also searching the shed.

Police also raided a home in the south-western Sydney suburb of Rossmore, where they allegedly seized 10 kgs of meth as well as electronic devices and documents relevant to their investigation.

“The total value of the methylamphetamine seized is estimated to be $6.5 million,” police alleged.

Afterwards, a 55-year-old man was arrested at a home in St Clair.

Police allege that when they searched the home, they also discovered more than $18,000 cash.

One of the 49-year-old men was charged with knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group and taking part in the manufacture of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

The second 49-year-old was charged with participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity and taking part in the manufacture of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

Police allege drug equipment was found during their search. Photo: NSW Police.

Officers raided properties at Marulan and Sydney. Photo: NSW Police.

Police officers search an alleged inactive drug lab. Photo: NSW Police.

Both men appeared at Goulburn Local Court on Thursday, where they were formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on 27 September.

The 55-year-old was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity and the manufacture of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

He appeared at Penrith Local Court on Friday (18 August) where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on 13 October.