Three men charged after drug lab raid near Goulburn

NSW Police Force detectives have charged three men after searching a drug laboratory near Goulburn.

Officers from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Crear to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs, in particular methylamphetamine, throughout Sydney.

Strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a property at Marulan early on Thursday morning.

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Two men – both aged 49 – were arrested inside.

During the search, police found a large inactive clandestine laboratory located within a large industrial shed at the back of the property.

Officers found and seized items that can be used to manufacture drugs, including approximately 16 kg of methylamphetamine oil.

The lab was then dismantled by specialist police from the Chemical Operations Team.

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A second search warrant was executed at a home at Rossmore on Sydney's southwestern outskirts later in the morning, where several items were seized including 10 kilograms of methylamphetamine, electronic devices and documents relevant to the investigation.

The total value of the methylamphetamine seized is estimated to be $6.5 million.

Following further inquiries, a 55-year-old man was arrested at a home in St Clair shortly before 11am.

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A third search warrant was then executed at the home, where officers located more than $18,000 cash.

The two 49-year-old men were taken to Goulburn Police Station, where one of the men was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group and take part manufacture large commercial quantity prohibited drug.

The second man was charged with participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity and take part manufacture large commercial quantity prohibited drug.

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Both men appeared at Goulburn Local Court on Thursday where they were formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Wednesday, 27 September.

The older man was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity and manufacture commercial quantity prohibited drug.

He appeared at Penrith Local Court on Friday where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Friday, 13 October 2023.

Investigations are continuing.