Detectives arrest man and prevent production of $25 million of methylamphetamine

This is a joint Australian Crime Commission, AFP, Customs, NSW Crime Commission & NSW Police media release

Detectives attached to the Joint Asian Crime Group (JACG) have arrested a 41-year-old Epping man, seized more than $1.1 million in cash, and prevented about $25 million worth of methylamphetamine being produced in Australia.

The arrest follows a multi-agency investigation into a Asian syndicate involved in the alleged importation of pseudoephedrine.

The JACG is responsible for investigating; disrupting; and prosecuting offenders involved in Asian organised crime and detectives launched Operation Lucullan in March this year to investigate the alleged syndicate.

The JACG comprises detectives from NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Crime Commission (ACC), the New South Wales Crime Commission (NSWCC), and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. 

Detectives executed search warrants on Sunday 10 May, 2009, at a storage facility on Parramatta Road at Homebush as well as a home on Ray Road at Epping.

At the Homebush premises, detectives located and seized about 70kg of pseudoephedrine; a precursor used in the manufacture of amphetamines, as well as about $868,500.

Detectives also located a clandestine laboratory at the Epping premises, which has been dismantled over the past few days. 

The man was arrested on Sunday after visiting the storage facility at Homebush and has been charged with the manufacture of a prohibited drug, possessing a precursor intended for use in the manufacture of a prohibited drug, knowingly dealing in the proceeds of crime, and using a false instrument.

He was remanded in custody and is due to re-appear at Burwood Local Court on 13 July, 2009.

On Monday 11 May, 2009, detectives executed search warrants at a storage facility on Parramatta Road, Burwood, where they located and seized a semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, as well as a quantity of chemicals and drug-related paraphernalia.

JACG Commander Peter Baker said, “This is a significant operation which has disrupted a highly organised drug manufacturing syndicate.

“Detectives involved in this multi-agency operation have successfully closed a clandestine laboratory, and prevented about $25million worth of crystal methylamphetamine being sold on our streets,” Detective Superintendent Baker said.

“Joint Asian Crime Group detectives will continue to target all Asian organised crime related offences.”

“This operation involved close and effective cooperation between both State and Federal law enforcement agencies, demonstrating the success of the Joint Asian Crime Group.”