Man extradited from Canberra over alleged drug supply, suspected drug laboratory uncovered

A 23-year-old man extradited from Canberra will face charges in NSW for his alleged involvement in the manufacture and supply of illegal drugs across eastern Australia.

In March 2024, officers attached to the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad and Lake Illawarra Police District, the NSW Crime Commission, the Australian Border Force and the Queensland Police Service began an investigation under Strike Force Culti into the manufacturing and supply of MDMA.

Following extensive investigations, investigators executed 10 search warrants across the Lake Illawarra and Tweed Heads regions of NSW where they seized over $3 million worth of what NSW Police believe to be MDMA. A large, clandestine laboratory was also reportedly located in a Kingscliff home.

Five men were charged last month and remain before the courts.

As part of the ongoing investigation, investigators attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad and the NSW Crime Commission also executed a criminal assets recovery search warrant at an Albion Park home shortly before 8 am on Thursday (4 July).

During the search, officers seized electronic devices, documents and a 2022 Tesla Model Y.

Following further inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a Springrange property in Yass Valley at about 6 am yesterday (9 July).

At the property, the residential premises and a large shed were forensically examined with the assistance of specialist police from the State Crime Command’s Chemical Operations Team and Police Rescue.

Clothes and handwritten notes were seized, along with soil samples and chemical swabs.

Shortly after, with the assistance of ACT Policing, investigators also carried out a search warrant at a home in the Canberra suburb of Lyons.

During that search, they seized mobile phones and keys, which will undergo forensic examination.

The occupant, a 23-year-old man, was arrested by virtue of an outstanding NSW arrest warrant.

NSW Raptor Squad Detectives applied for and were granted the man’s extradition to NSW in the ACT Magistrate’s Court. He was escorted to Queanbeyan Police Station where the outstanding warrant was executed.

He was charged with two counts of possessing a precursor intended to be used in manufacture/production and participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity.

The man appeared before Queanbeyan Local Court on Tuesday (9 July) where he was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court on 5 August 2024.

Investigations under Strike Force Culti continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting NSW Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence.