Officers from SAPOL’s Drug and Organised Crime Task Force (DOCTF), in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police have located a clandestine drug laboratory in Morphett Vale.
Police will allege that about 10pm on Tuesday 18 August, detectives went to the Cocks Avenue house and found the clan lab.
A 42-year-old Morphett Vale man was arrested at the scene and was charged with manufacturing a controlled drug, and trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug. He was refused bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court today.
The large scale laboratory had the capability to produce significant quantities of methamphetamine. It was not operating at the time that it was located. A number of items located at the property will be the subject of further testing and analysis to determine the amount of methamphetamine present.
DOCTF officers are at the address and processing the scene. Due to the size of the clan lab this processing is expected to take a number of days.
The investigation is ongoing and police have not ruled out further searches or arrests being made.
SAPOL and the AFP have a close working relationship and work together to target individuals and syndicates involved in the illicit drug trade.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Taylor, Officer in Charge, Serious and Organised Crime Branch said, “This investigation is a good example of how law enforcement agencies can work together to target organised criminal groups involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs. This investigation will have a significant impact on the supply of methamphetamine and have a positive effect in reducing harm to the South Australian community.”
AFP Acting Commander Gail McClure, said the collaboration between South Australia Police and the Australian Federal Police had prevented ice from reaching local streets.
“The human cost of methamphetamine production is significant, which is why finding and disrupting labs like this is so important,” Acting Commander McClure said.
“People involved in the illicit drug trade prey on our communities to make a profit and don’t care about the devastation caused through the drug-related crime and associated health and social costs.
“This investigation is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of State and Commonwealth agencies to work together to combat organised crime networks involved in manufacturing and distributing drugs in this State.”
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