The NSW Police Force and interstate law enforcement agencies will today launch Operation Unification, in a continued effort to crack down on illicit drugs.

The community is encouraged to get involved in the initiative and call Crime Stoppers over the next two weeks – ends Friday 19 November – to report information about the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs, particularly amphetamines.

Drug Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, said, The number of illicit clandestine drug laboratories identified by police has risen by more than 20 per cent this year alone. NSW Police have so far identified and dismantled 83 clandestine drug laboratories this year. Illicit drug manufacture poses a substantial risk not only to those directly involved in the production, but also to bystanders and residents. The chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture are toxic and can be hazardous if used in confined areas. These clandestine labs not only produce dangerous drugs but create toxic and explosive environments that can put the community at risk, Det Supt Bingham said.

The Chemical Operations Unit, attached to the NSW State Crime Command’s Drug Squad, conducts regular pro-active operations to identify and dismantle clandestine drug laboratories.

Most recently, the Drug Squad identified and responded to a clan lab at Kemps Creek on 14 October 2010, in which a 23-year-old man died after sustaining fatal injuries when the lab exploded and burst into flames. A 31-year-old man was also critically injured.

This is the second clan lab-related fatality to have occurred in NSW. In 2003, a man died as a result of injuries sustained when a clan lab exploded at premises in St Marys.

Police have also responded to several fires and explosions at clan labs in which people have received severe and life-threatening injuries as a result of these incidents.

Det Supt Bingham, said drug labs in NSW have been located in a variety of locations including residential homes, rural properties, and industrial complexes.

Tackling illicit drug labs is everyone’s business, Det Supt Bingham said. Information from the public is vital in assisting police to identify and dismantle these labs.

The NSW Police Force is committed to tackling the manufacture of illicit drugs and continues to work closely with law-enforcement agencies across the country, as well as the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, to target the importation of precursor chemicals and scientific equipment.

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service are participating in the National Day of Action as part of an ongoing collaborative approach to disrupt, deter and prosecute persons involved in the importation and manufacture of illicit drugs.

In support of new legislation, that has been introduced to combat the importation of illegal pill presses, Customs and Border Protection officers will be working closely with NSW Police Officers to detect and seize illegally imported pill presses.

Operation Unification is aimed at raising community awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs as well as to encourage members of the public to get involved in the national amphetamine action campaign, and report any information to Crime Stoppers.

The Chief Executive Officer of Crime Stoppers, Peter Price OAM, said the Operation Unification campaign was launched simultaneously today in every Australian capital city.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:
• Unusual/chemical odours coming from a premises
• Premises with windows blacked out and fortification
• Chemical drums, glassware, or related items at premises
• Frequency of visitors attending a premises at unusual times
• Visitors attending premises carrying large containers or unusual items

Anyone who has any information about clan labs in their area, or who is aware of any suspicious behaviour, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or email www.crimestoppers.com.au

© State of New South Wales through the NSW Police Force

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