Meth lab found in Whangarei

Police have located a working methamphetamine lab in a Whangärei suburb yesterday.

Whangärei Police executed a search warrant on a Kamo Road address at 2.30pm and found a lab in operation.

Two men, aged 31 and 44 years were apprehended and taken to the Whangärei Police Station for questioning.

About 30 staff, including the Armed Offenders Squad, were involved in the warrant and cordons were put in place in nearby streets.

The Fire Service and St John Ambulance also attended.
Following the warrant police staff and the offenders were put through a decontamination process.

The Auckland Clan Lab Team and ESR will be carrying out a forensic examination of the property and removing chemicals and substances.

Officer in Charge of Whangärei CIB Dene Begbie says police will take all possible steps to apprehend people involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine and hold them accountable

"This drug has a major negative impact on our communities. This lab was found in a built-up residential area and was not only dangerous for the people making it, but for nearby residents."

Mr Begbie says police want to hear from anyone who suspects that drugs are being manufactured and supplied from any premises.

Activity to look out for includes strong chemical smells, large stockpiles of empty containers and any unusual late night activity.

If people are concerned that someone is supplying or manufacturing drugs then they can contact their local police, call the 111 emergency number or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.