Скачать или смотреть SF Gurton seize more than 500 kilograms of restricted substances, drugs and firearms

Detectives from the Drug Squad have seized more than 500 kilograms of restricted and illicit substances, located three high-powered firearms, arrested two men and executed six search warrants following an operation in north-west Sydney early today (Tuesday 19 August 2014).


Earlier this year, Drug Squad detectives formed Strike Force Gurton to investigate a syndicate allegedly involved in the large scale manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs.


Around 5am this morning, police executed a coordinated operation on a number of properties in Sydney’s north-west.


At one of the properties, a home in Blacktown, police located a large clandestine laboratory located in the garage. Officers also located three firearms – a Mac11 submachine gun (with silencer), a .338 calibre sniper rifle and an AR15 military style assault rifle – as well as 25 kilograms of MDP2P (a prohibited drug used in the manufacture of MDMA), and more than 10,000 MDMA pills.


More than 200 items associated with the manufacture of illicit drugs, including two 50 litre reaction vessels, were also located and seized during the warrant.


A man, woman and three children were present in the home at the time of the raid. The man was subsequently arrested.


A second man, who had been seen leaving the property shortly before the police operation, was also arrested after his car was stopped by police nearby.


Both men were taken to Blacktown Police Station where they have been charged with large commercial drug manufacturing offences.


Warrants were also executed at four other properties – three in Blacktown and one in Seven Hills – resulting in officers seizing cash, drugs, documents and electronic items.


A sixth warrant is currently underway at a storage facility in Wentworthville, where police have located approximately 500 kilograms of methylamine, a substance that can be used to manufacture both methylamphetamine (‘Ice’) and MDMA (ecstasy).


Police believe the 500 kilograms of methylamine seized from the storage facility is capable of making of hundreds of kilograms of ‘Ice’ or MDMA. A large quantity of laboratory glassware and buckets containing unknown liquids were also seized from the storage facility, which is continuing to be searched by officers at this time.


While the final results of the operation will not be known for some days, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the raids came as a result of outstanding detective work.


“Today’s results are a testament to the tireless efforts of detectives, who have been working around the clock for many months,” Commissioner Scipione said.


“Their hard work has not only resulted in us locating and seizing large quantities of illicit drugs, we have also found and seized three high-powered military grade firearms.”


Commissioner Scipione added that while today’s operation was a great result for police and the community, there is still much work that needs to be done.


“The fight goes on,” Commissioner Scipione said.


“And the role the community can play in helping us shut down these labs cannot be overstated.


“Please familiarise yourself with the seven signs of a drug house – if any properties in your neighbourhood raise suspicions, then contact police immediately.


“Not only do these clan labs produce substances that destroy lives, they are highly combustible, pollutant-riddled properties that pose a direct threat to the community around them.”


Community members are urged to keep an eye out for the seven telltale signs that a property is being used as a drug house:

Strange odours

Diverted electricity

Chemical containers and waste

Blacked-out windows

Hoses and pipes in strange places

Blinds down, with extremely bright indoor lighting radiating through gaps

Vehicles arriving at odd hours


The investigation by Strike Force Gurton continues and more arrests are expected.


Police are urging anyone with information about suspicious properties to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.