UPDATE
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Police have located a second large-scale clan lab as part of investigations into the manufacture of prohibited drugs in the state’s New England region.
As part of their inquiries, strike force investigators attended a home on Winterwood Road, Tingha, about 30km south of Inverell, about 10.30am on Monday, April 9, and executed a crime scene warrant.
Strike force investigators located a large-scale clandestine laboratory in a shed on the property.
The lab was rendered safe before police commenced the dismantling process.
As part of their inquiries, strike force investigators attended a home on Swan Street, Inverell, about 10.10am yesterday, Tuesday April 10, and executed a crime scene warrant.
Strike force investigators located and seized several items relating to the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
So far, investigators have seized more than 400 items, including scientific glassware and other items consistent with drug manufacture, precursors, and documents, which will be examined by specialist forensic officers.
Investigations under Strike Force Clune are ongoing.
New England Police District Commander, Superintendent Scott Tanner, said his officers will continue investigations into the manufacturing of illicit drug in the local community.
“Clandestine laboratories pose a risk to everyone in the community not just those involved in the manufacturing process, but to residents who live nearby,” Supt Tanner said.
“This is the second laboratory we have located in a week, and we are concerned there may be others we do not know about, which pose an unacceptable risk to everyone.
“I have previously said that as the Commander of the New England Police District Command, I will continue to dedicate resources across the region to detect those involved in the manufacturing and distribution of illicit drugs.
“You, as members of our community, are our eyes and ears and we rely on you to report anything suspicious,” Supt Tanner said.
EARLIER
Inverell Police have begun the search for at least three offenders as part of a major drug crime investigation.
A large-scale clandestine lab was allegedly discovered on Mitchell Crescent last Friday, April 6 as part of an investigation into the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine (ice) in the area.
Strike Force Clune was a collaborative effort from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearm Squad and New England Police District.
Local Sergeant Ross Chilcott said police have now concluded four different search warrants and have identified “a number of offenders”, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
He said three alleged perpetrators will be arrested and charged once they are found. Sergeant Chilcott indicated that more offenders may be identified and arrested as investigations continue.
Investigators seized over 100 items, including scientific glassware and other objects consistent with drug manufacture, at the Mitchell Crescent address. These items will be examined by specialist forensic officers.
Anyone with information regarding drug related crime is encouraged to contact the Inverell Police on 6722 0599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police say possible indicators of drug related activities include strange odours, diverted electricity, chemical containers and waste, blacked out windows, hoses and pipes in strange places, blinds down with bright indoor lighting and vehicles arriving at odd hours.
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