Speed lab dumped at Smithfield

Category: Drugs

A SPEED lab was found hidden in Smithfield scrub on the same day police raided two homes allegedly producing the drug, as suspicions of a syndicate intensify.

Authorities yesterday revealed the discarded lab, with hot chemicals still burning in it, was found on Wednesday.

The dumped lab was brought into the Smithfield Police Station about 10 minutes after police stormed a Westcourt home to find three men allegedly making speed.

About two hours later, authorities raided a unit at Manunda and found utensils used in the production of methamphetamines and a small quantity of speed.

The busts came after the Kewarra Beach Pharmacy was broken into on Tuesday morning with thieves looking for pseudoephedrine-based pills – a core ingredient for making speed.

Police have not confirmed a direct link between the incidents, but Drug Squad Sen-Sgt Kevin Goan said police were investigating the "nexus" between the busts.

Three men faced Cairns Magistrates’ Court yesterday on five drug-related charges each, including producing and possessing speed allegedly in relation to the Westcourt raid.

Geoffrey Anthony Carloff, 34, George Postic, 49, and Dylan Paul Dale, 34, were remanded in custody until March 18.

Meanwhile, Michael Ivor Greene, 39, was jailed for six months and fined $500 with a parole release date of May 31 after pleading guilty to possessing a number of bags of speed, a syringe of speed, and utensils used for cooking speed, in relation to the Manunda raid.

A woman questioned over the raid was released without charge.