APPROXIMATELY $2 million worth of methamphetamine has been seized from an underground drug lab uncovered in Evanston South last week.
A joint investigation between South Australia police’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) led to a raid on a Hayles Road property on Thursday night, where they uncovered a methamphetamine lab in a “purpose built” underground bunker.
Police, the Metropolitan Fire Service and SA Ambulance Service’s Special Operations Rescue team remained on scene across Friday and the weekend dismantling the laboratory and taking evidence.
On Monday, a police spokesperson confirmed around 4kg of methamphetamine had been seized from the scene, equating to a street value of around $2 million.
Paraphernalia associated with the drugs’ manufacture was also taken, with police still unsure how long the lab had been operational for.
Officer in Charge of the Serious and Organised Crime Branch Detective Superintendent Steve Taylor said the force would “continue to work with partner agencies to bring those responsible for the manufacture of controlled drugs to justice”.
“Clandestine laboratories involve the use of toxic and flammable chemicals which pose a significant risk to the community, police and the drug cooks themselves,” he said.
“People who manufacture or sell illicit drugs can face penalties up to a $500,000 fine or life imprisonment and can also have assets such as houses and cars seized.”
A 43-year-old Greenwith man and a 54-year-old Munno Para man were both arrested and charged with manufacturing a large commercial quantity of a drug.
They were both refused bail and appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday.
AFP Superintendent of Investigations Gail McClure said the COVID-19 pandemic had also affected the way the drug trade conducted its illegal business.
“COVID-19 has far reaching implications for everyone in society including criminal networks,” she said.
“It is apparent that drug suppliers continue to adapt to the changing circumstances and local production of drugs continues to provide a business opportunity completely disregarding the health and wellbeing of the community.
“It is to be reinforced that methamphetamine ‘cooks’ are creating dangerous environments to conduct this type of activity again having no regard for the safety of the community.
“Police remain vigilant in our collective efforts to identify and disrupt criminal behaviours in the enduring effort to protect Australian society.”