Huge drug lab found on Qld-NSW border

SYDNEY, June 08 (AAP) - Authorities have smashed a major drug ring and dismantled a lab preparing to dump $30 million worth of methamphetamine onto the streets.
The lab, on a remote Queensland property near the NSW border, is one of the largest uncovered in the state and was the centre of the drug ring's activities.
An 18-month investigation involving Queensland Police and the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) led to raids on eight properties in the southeast on Monday.
The raids, including the one on the lab in the Currumbin Valley, netted more than 2.5 tonnes of chemicals used to make drugs and manufacturing equipment worth $300,000.
Five people have been charged with a range of offences, including producing a dangerous drug, and possession of drugs and equipment used to make them.
"A preliminary examination of this lab suggests it held enough chemicals to produce up to 70kg of methylamphetamine with a street value in excess of $30 million," the ACC's Carey Stent said.
"Examinations of the lab are continuing and chemicals have also been uncovered that suggest a similar amount of MDMA (ecstasy) could be produced."
More than 100 staff were involved in executing eight search warrants and police said the operation had shut down a potentially explosive lab that posed a risk to public safety.
Police raided a multi-million-dollar rural property on Tomewin Mountain Rd, Currumbin Valley, and allegedly found a drug lab kitted out with high quantities of chemicals, glassware and equipment used to make methamphetamine, which is more commonly known as "ice".
Police charged a 28-year-old man and a 36-year-old man at the property, and it is believed a Taser was deployed during the raid to subdue someone.
Two others, a 44-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, were later charged.
A fifth man, aged 19, has also been charged.
They will face court this week.