Drug labs smashed

By Callan Date
A MAJOR drug lab suspected of producing large amounts of methamphetamines has been uncovered in Hallam.
Police raided the Star Crescent factory last Wednesday week and uncovered several items used in the production of illegal drugs.
Hundreds of litres of chemicals used to make methamphetamines were seized in the raid that was conducted by Australian Crime Commission (ACC) and Victoria Police Drug Taskforce members.
Police believe the Hallam set-up was part of a major organised crime gang that stretched across several suburbs throughout Melbourne.
The search warrant was executed after the discovery of two clandestine laboratories in Fawkner and Safety Beach on 15 March.
A private residence in Kilsyth was also raided on the same day as the Hallam site.
Several people were arrested and charged.
In total, more than six kilograms of what is believed to be methamphetamines, as well as chemicals, a handgun and drug-making equipment were seized across both properties.
Investigators from the ACC and Victoria Police said they were confident they had dismantled a significant organised crime syndicate involved in the manufacturing and distribution of drugs both in Melbourne and interstate.
Police said a Kilsyth man, 30, a Mooroolbark man, 45, and a Taylors Lakes man, 43, have been charged with offences involving the manufacturing of a commercial quantity of drugs of dependence.
A 50-year-old Bayswater man and a 33-year-old Broadmeadows man have also been charged with the same offences.
All men are scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a later date.