Charges laid over ‘hidden’ drugs in Blackwater

TWO people are in custody after the discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory in Blackwater at the weekend.

It was alleged in a Rockhampton court yesterday that police discovered the methamphetamine operation hidden in a wardrobe at a Bauman Way residence about 8pm on Saturday.

Daniel Jeremiah Malone, 26, from Emerald and a Blackwater woman, 34, were charged with one count each of producing methamphetamine and possession of drug production equipment.

Both were known to police.

Detective Sergeant Alan Baker from the Blackwater CIB said the set-up was still in the stages of production when police searched the property. But the actual amount of drugs discovered was yet to be determined.

"The quantity is hard to say because neither (offender) is talking," Det Sgt Baker said.

He added further charges were pending after follow-up investigations by specialist police.

Both offenders were remanded in custody.

Malone will appear in court on April 24.

The latest drug discovery in the Central Highlands comes just months after police uncovered an alleged drug trafficking ring in Emerald.

Police seized drugs and drug paraphernalia from a car and at least two Emerald addresses in December last year.

In one instance, the seizures led to the sentencing of Damien James Carroll, 29, to 18 months imprisonment after police found drugs and firearms at a property east of Emerald.