POLICE say residents should watch out for signs of illegal drug laboratories operating out of suburban homes.
Whittlesea Inspector Robert Dykstra said after a raid on a home in Greensborough earlier this month, people should be aware of suspicious activities, odours and movement of equipment at strange times in their area. Drug laboratories could be in a shed, garage, or a room of a home, he said.
“If people do see things out of the ordinary, they should call Crimestoppers.”
A raid by Mill Park police and the clandestine lab squad on a Greensborough home on March 7 found what police allege was an illicit drug laboratory.
A 42-year-old man was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of amphetamines and possession of precursive chemicals. He has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
A 37-year-old Greensborough woman was charged with possessing articles with intent to traffic and was bailed to appear at the same court.
The woman’s son, aged 10, was found at the house and referred to the Department of Human Services. He was examined at the Royal Children’s Hospital to assess his degree of exposure to chemicals, Inspector Dykstra said.
Chemicals to make drugs were allegedly found in a bedroom, along with laboratory equipment. – Fran Cusworth
