Clandestine laboratory found north of Bathurst, police allege

They say items and substances seized will undergo forensic examination.

NSW Police says detectives from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team established Strike Force Vindin earlier this year to investigate a criminal syndicate involved in the supply of precursors and manufacture of prohibited drugs across NSW.

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Earlier this month, strike force detectives executed three search warrants at storage sheds at Prospect, in western Sydney, where they are alleged to have seized 150kg of methylamphetamine (ice) and 14kg of cocaine, with a combined estimated potential street value of $33 million.

Officers are also alleged to have seized $1.5 million cash, as well as large quantities of chemicals and solvents consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs.

As part of ongoing inquiries, NSW Police says strike force detectives executed a further six search warrants and two crime scene warrants at properties across Greater Sydney and Pyramul - about 70 kilometres north of Bathurst - from 6am on Thursday, August 12.

During the searches, officers say they seized more than $3.2 million cash, two rifles, luxury watches, electronic devices, documentation and several vehicles.

Detectives also say they located hundreds of litres of chemicals and approximately 400kg of liquid - believed to be unrefined cocaine - from a Pemulway residence.

At the remote rural property north of Bathurst, police allege they uncovered a large, sophisticated clandestine laboratory. During the initial deconstruction, officers located a further 15kg of cocaine, as well as chemicals and thousands of litres of liquids, according to NSW Police.

All items and substances seized during the operation will undergo further forensic examination.

The combined estimated potential street value of the illicit drugs seized during the operation is more than $40 million, NSW Police says.

Following inquiries, eight men - aged between 31 and 54 - were arrested.

Seven were charged with drug-related offences, while the eighth was issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for breaching the Public Health Order and released.

NSW Police says investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Vindin investigators 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 information via NSW Police social media pages.

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