Queensland Police have uncovered an alleged commercial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Logan, charging five people including residents from Doolandella and Inala in connection with the operation.
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Major drug operation uncovered
During a raid on Tuesday, 22 October, detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group executed a search warrant at a Park Ridge property as part of Operation Whiskey Vivid. The operation, conducted jointly by Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Australian Border Force (ABF), revealed what police allege to be a sophisticated drug manufacturing facility.
Police report seizing approximately two kilograms of crystallised methylamphetamine (‘ice’) and five litres of methylamphetamine oil from the property. The raid also uncovered three firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle and two handguns, along with a substantial amount of cash.
Doolandella and Inala residents implicated
Among those charged are a 42-year-old man from Doolandella and a 32-year-old man from Inala. Both face multiple charges including producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, and possession of property suspected of being used in connection with drug offences.
Three other individuals have also been charged: a Park Ridge couple, both aged 31, and a 32-year-old man from South Ripley.
A second raid at a Rocklea business premises yielded additional evidence, including cash, a cash counting machine, and ammunition. Police allege the group was coordinating the production and distribution of illegal drugs both within Queensland and interstate.
Detective Inspector Bradley Phelps from the Drug and Serious Crime Group emphasises the potential impact of the operation. “A clandestine lab of this scale can produce significant quantities of methylamphetamine which has the potential to cause untold community harm,” he says.
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The Synthetic Drug Operations Unit has been deployed to safely process and dismantle the laboratory. All five suspects are scheduled to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court, as investigations continue.
Police encourage anyone with information about drug production or distribution to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or via 1800 333 000.
Published 29-October-2024
