Police seize guns, MDMA powder in Northern Rivers property raid
Detectives have seized eight pistols, as well as MDMA powder with the potential to produce more than $2.5 million in prohibited drugs, during a raid on a Northern Rivers region property.
On Thursday morning detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug Squad and Richmond Local Area Command raided the rural property west of Casino.
During a three-day search of the premises, police will allege they located a pill press and other paraphernalia associated with the large-scale manufacture of MDMA.
Detectives also found 6.3kg of pure MDMA powder, which has the potential to produce more than 60,000 tablets worth an estimated street value of $2.5 million.
Drug Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Greig Newbery, said the majority of the items were secreted throughout the premises.
“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,” Detective Superintendent Newbery said.
“Due to the property’s proximity to the New South Wales-Queensland border, this seizure has the potential to significantly impact the supply of MDMA in both States.
“The property was unoccupied at the time police executed the search warrant and no arrests have been made at this stage.
“However, the items seized will be undergoing forensic analysis and detectives from the Drug Squad and Richmond Local Area Command are continuing their inquiries in the area.”
During the search of the property detectives seized a tablet pressing machine capable of producing 4000 tablets an hour, as well as a small quantity of cannabis and cannabis resin.
A large quantity of glassware, cooking apparatus, pre-cursor chemicals and other items associated with manufacturing prohibited drugs were also located in the house. Eight semi-automatic handguns were also seized.
Detective Superintendent Newbery said an inert training mortar was also discovered in a dam on the property, which was disposed of by the Australian Navy Clearance Divers Unit.
Anyone with information about the manufacture, sale or use of prohibited drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be made anonymously.
