SA Police uncover state's first 'synthetic cannabis drug lab' in regional town of Pinnaroo
The first drug laboratory dedicated to making synthetic cannabis in South Australia has been uncovered, police say.
The laboratory was found at Pinnaroo, a regional town near the Victorian border.
A 52-year-old Victorian man from Keysborough has been charged with manufacturing a controlled drug (synthetic cannabis), possessing controlled pre-cursors and possessing prescribed equipment.
Synthetic cannabis is usually sprayed onto vegetable matter and then smoked and can be up to 100 times stronger than the traditional drug.
Chief Inspector John Gerlach said it was the first time such a lab had been found in South Australia.
He said the lab was uncovered thanks to information from Victorian authorities.
"Forensic chemists at the scene have advised police that the chemicals, glassware and associated products were consistent with the manufacture of synthetic cannabinoids," Inspector Gerlach said.
"This was a sophisticated lab, in a residential area. There was a large amount of glassware and chemicals, some of which are highly volatile and toxic.
"The existence of this lab with chemicals of this nature poses a serious threat to the community."
An expert team including forensic chemists had been at the property for two days gathering evidence and safely dismantling the laboratory.
The charged man was bailed to appear in the Berri Magistrates Court in December.
