NSW: Police raid rural property used to make ecstasy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2006
NSW: Police raid rural property used to make ecstasy

SYDNEY, Dec 10 AAP - Police have raided a rural property in northern NSW which they
believe is used to supply large quantities of ecstasy to two states.

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug Squad and other officers carried out
a three-day search of the rural property, west of Casino, after an initial raid on Thursday.

They found MDMA powder with the potential to make 60,000 ecstasy tablets with a street
value of more than $2.5 million, as well as a pill press and other drug manufacturing
equipment.

They also found eight semi-automatic firearms.

"It is clear this home was set up for the large-scale production of MDMA and has been
shut down as a result of inquiries carried out by investigators," Drug Squad Commander
Detective Superintendent Greig Newbery said.

"Due to the property's proximity to the NSW-Queensland border, this seizure has the
potential to significantly impact the supply of MDMA in both states."

The home was unoccupied at the time of the search and no arrests have been made at
this stage but inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact authorities.

AAP nr/jm/cdh

KEYWORD: RAID

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