A military grade assault rifle has been seized during a police bust of property in Sydney’s inner west that was reportedly being used to manufacture the drug ‘ice’.
The weapon found at the scene is known to be most commonly used by US forces.
The heavy duty firearm was a M4 Carbon Assault Rifle, which was found alongside a 9mm pistol at the house in Strathfield.
M4 Carbon Assault Rifle found at the scene which is most commonly used by US forces
A second gun – 9mm pistol was also found at the scene by Strike Force Bardoo detectives
In February 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Bardoo to investigate an alleged criminal organisation involved in the large-scale manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine.
Following the investigation, Strike Force Bardoo detectives arrested a 23-year-old Queensland man following a vehicle stop on Carter Street, Lidcombe, about 10pm Thursday.
He was reportedly found in possession of $66,000 cash.
A further four men, which included a 26-year-old Victorian man, a 28-year-old Lidcombe man, a 39-year-old Zetland man and a 47-year-old Carlingford man – were all arrested as they attempted to escape the property on Hilts Road, Strathfield, just after midnight.
All five men have were then taken to Auburn Police Station for questioning.
Detectives found a large-scale clandestine laboratory in the process of manufacturing ‘ice’
Detectives subsequently retrieved a crime scene warrant at the Strathfield property, with the assistance of officers attached to Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad.
Upon entering the unit, detectives identified a large-scale clandestine laboratory, which was in the process of manufacturing ‘ice’ and seized about 5kg of ‘ice’ with an estimated potential street value of between $750,000 and $2.5 million.
About 1 am, a search warrant was then executed at a unit on Carter Street, Lidcombe.
During the search, officers seized a M4 carbine assault rifle, a 9mm pistol, 200 rounds of ammunition, $11,000 cash, drug paraphernalia and methylamphetamine.
The Lidcombe man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x2), participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm (x2).
Police seized about 5kg of ‘ice’ with estimated value between $750,000 and $2.5 million
All men involved in the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine were refused bail
The Victorian man was charged with an outstanding warrant, manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
It will be alleged in court he was wanted by police after a rental van hired in his name was repossessed in June 2018 and found with nearly 10kg of methylamphetamine, 160 litres of hydrochloric acid, 60 litres of methanol and 60 litres of acetone.
The Queensland, Carlingford and Zetland men were all charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege the men were all involved in the large-scale commercial manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine.
They were all refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today.
Investigations into the importation, manufacture, and supply of methylamphetamine are still ongoing.
Anyone with information in relation to the importation and supply of prohibited drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.