NSW: Police seize huge haul of chemicals used to make drugs

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2006
NSW: Police seize huge haul of chemicals used to make drugs

SYDNEY, Aug 1 AAP - Three men have been arrested following a string of raids on Sydney
homes that netted chemicals which could have been used to make $60 million worth of drugs.

Drug Squad detectives simultaneously searched four residences in Sans Souci, Fairfield
West, Colyton and Lugarno about 6.30am (AEST) today, police said.

They were investigating an alleged conspiracy to manufacture millions of dollars of
prohibited drugs.

The strike force was set up in July last year after police received information about
the alleged importation of 2,200 litres of methylamine - a key ingredient in the production
of methylamphetamine and the party drug MDMA.

Police allege the liquid they seized could produce a minimum yield of 400kg of methylamphetamine,
worth an estimated potential street value of at least $10 million.

The methylamine could also have been used to make at least 500kg of MDMA, worth an
estimated potential street value of $60 million.

A 29-year-old man from Sans Souci, a 34-year-old man from Colyton and 35-year-old man
from Fairfield West were being questioned by detectives, police said.

Police allege a syndicate of men purchased other chemicals and paraphernalia used in
the manufacture of prohibited drugs.

AAP tr/klw/maur/nf

KEYWORD: RAIDS

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.