In 2018, detectives from the NSW Police Force’s State Crime Command commenced investigations into the manufacture of prohibited drugs across NSW.
During the course of a Criminal Groups Squad investigation, detectives located two large commercial clandestine 3,4-Methyl enedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) laboratories at Menangle and Mount Hunter.
The laboratories were dismantled with the assistance of the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit, who seized 650 items, which included equipment used to manufacture drugs, chemicals and precursors, and prohibited drugs with an estimated potential street value of more than $5.2 million.
Two men were arrested and charged during this investigation. They remain before the courts.
Detectives from the Drug and Firearms Squad subsequently established Strike Force Arndill to conduct inquiries into the importation of chemicals, precursors, and equipment used to manufacture illicit drugs.
With the assistance of investigators from ABF, detectives analysed patterns of importations from China to a number of companies in Sydney’s south west.
On Tuesday 18 December 2018, ABF officers targeted a consignment of 20 drums from China, which were declared as liquid fertiliser.
The consignment was examined at the NSW Container Examination Facility and presumptive testing returned a positive indicator for GBL, which is also known as liquid ecstasy, fantasy, or coma in a bottle.
Forensic analysis determined the drums contained 4000 litres of GBL, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $12 million.
The GBL has been seized by police and investigations under Strike Force Arndill are ongoing.
