Over the weekend, as a part of Operation Bart, members of the Joint Crime and Operations taskforce located a clandestine laboratory in the process of manufacturing crystal methamphetamine.

Acting on information received as a part of the operation, Police located the lab which had been set up within a room of a Darwin city hotel, on Saturday morning.

Police seized the laboratory equipment, a quantity of chemicals typically used in the manufacturing process, a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine, a trafficable quantity of Heroin and a quantity of cash.

Police have charged three persons aged 40, 27 and 24 years old in relation to this incident. The two aged 40 and 27 years old are Melbourne residents and believed to be a part of an interstate organised crime entity. All three persons have been charged with Manufacturing and supplying a trafficable quantity of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and with the possession of a trafficable quantity of Heroin.

Police have also arrested another 44-year-old Darwin man who was apprehended leaving the hotel. The man was found to be in possession of 2 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine and has been charged with possession of a trafficable quantity. He was also found in possession of an SAS knife and a hunting knife and was charged with Possessing and Carrying a Controlled Weapon.

All four people were charged and remanded in custody.

As a result of another investigation, a 25-year-old Darwin man has also been charged for drug related offences when a search of his hotel room has located a large quantity of powder and capsules, as well as $5000.00 cash. That person was charged with the possession of commercial quantity of a schedule 2 substance and bailed to appear at a later date.

Detective Superintendent Peter Bravos said that the manufacture and use of illicit drugs poses significant risks in terms of the heath and safety of members of the public and those involved in the illicit activities.

"The Northern Territory Police are committed to identifying, locating and prosecuting those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs.

"I urge members of the public with information relating to the distribution of dangerous drugs to contact police on 13144 or CrimeStoppers on 1 800 333 000" said Supt Bravos.

Media Note: Photos of the drugs seized will be made available to the media at approximately 3pm today.


Media contact:
Natalie Bell
89010280
0417 770 686