Concerns after stats show Peel is a drug lab hotspot

Police statistics reveal one-fifth of drug labs uncovered this year across the State were in the Peel region.

The latest improvised drug lab was found last Monday when a couple were bushwalking around Eighty Road, Baldivis, and discovered a shed containing suspicious items.

The couple notified police and the items were identified as instruments used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine.

Rockingham Sergeant Dayna Rigoir said she believed the 18 drug labs discovered this year were by chance.

Sgt Rigoir said 98 labs were busted across the State this year and police were always looking for suspicious activity.

“We’re always on the lookout when we go to other incidents, such as domestics, and quite often we notice suspicious circumstances at a scene,” Sgt Rigoir said.

“A few months ago a drug lab was located in the Warnbro area ... police were there for another reason when they came across it in the bathroom.

“There were children at that house and the officer had to be hospitalised for noxious fumes,” she said.

A police spokeswoman said improvised drug manufacture investigators worked closely with Mandurah Detectives to apprehend drug manufacturers across Peel.

“Manufacturing a prohibited drug has a maximum penalty of 25 years,” she said.

Sgt Rigoir said although there have been no known deaths related to drug manufacturing in the area, the activity was high-risk.

Investigation into last week’s drug lab is continuing.