Clandestine lab dismantled in the Hunter; two charged

Two men have been charged with drug offences after officers dismantled a clandestine lab in the Hunter.
Last month, officers attached to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into the alleged manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine in the Maitland area.
Following extensive inquiries, Port Stephens-Hunter Police – assisted by officers from the Northern Region Operational Support Group – executed a crime scene warrant at a home on Hunter Street, Maitland, at 2.30pm on Tuesday (1 December 2020).
Police located a clandestine laboratory at the rear of the property, including equipment and chemicals consistent with the supply and manufacture of prohibited drugs.
Officers from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearm Squad Chemical Operations Unit attended to dismantle the lab and continued yesterday (Wednesday 2 December 2020).
Other items seized during the warrant include liquid believed to be a precursor for the manufacture of prohibited drugs, an electronic stun device, two pistols, a rifle scope, and a set of nunchucks.
Two men – aged 47 and 39 – were arrested at the home and taken to Maitland Police Station.
Both men were charged with possess precursor intend to use in manufacture/production, supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug and possess unauthorised pistol.
They were refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 2 December 2020), where they were formally bail refused to reappear at the same court on Thursday 21 January 2021.