Lab found in ‘Fort Knox’
A HOUSE built like ‘Fort Knox’ has been raided by police, allegedly uncovering a sophisticated meth lab and half a kilogram of ice.
Cameras hidden in a tall tree give the homeowner a 180-degree view of the road in front of the Latrobe Ave, Helensvale, home that sits behind a six foot high reinforced gate.
More cameras line the front of the home, along with a plethora of stuff, including two concrete mixers, a jet ski, a couple of cars and odds and ends are strewn over the lawn.
The home stands out like a sore thumb among the row of big homes, with manicured lawns, a street neighbours call quiet and friendly.
When asked about the people who live in the home a neighbour says: “I wouldn’t know, the place is built like Fort Knox.”
Another neighbour told the Bulletin they would see people come and go at all hours, driving nice cars and cars that look like they barely run. “It’s a very quiet area, but we do notice a lot of cars coming and going from that house.”
The quiet street was woken with loud bangs early yesterday morning, as Gold Coast detectives raided the home, kicking in the door and arresting three men, aged 36, 37 and 41.
The 36 and 37-year-old men were released without charge.
The 41-year-old has been charged with multiple offences including possess drugs, possess explosives (ammunition) and utensils, possess things used in commission of a drug offence (lab equipment), possess weapon (taser) and unlawful supply of dangerous drugs.
Specialist officers from the Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team, along with local detectives spent the day combing the home and breaking down the lab they allegedly found inside.
Officers were seen bringing out bags of evidence, chemicals and broken down pieces of what appeared to be laboratory equipment.
Police will allege they located 500g of methamphetamine, LSD, cannabis, cash and ammunition inside the home.