Dodgy lab and $500k in drugs

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Police arrested two men and confiscated large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, THC gummies, cash, and drug manufacturing equipment during a raid on a suspected clandestine drug lab in Castlereagh, western Sydney. The operation disrupts a significant drug supply network in the Penrith area and involves coordinated efforts from multiple law enforcement units, with both suspects facing drug-related charges and scheduled for upcoming court appearances.

Two men were arrested and significant quantities of drugs and cash were seized following a police raid on a suspected clandestine drug laboratory in western Sydney on Friday morning.

Strike Force Questa detectives, who have been investigating drug manufacturing operations in the Penrith area since last year, conducted the raid at a property in Castlereagh around 6 a.m. Police were assisted by the Riot Squad and the Operation Support Group during the operation. Inside the home, officers discovered a hydraulic drug press alongside substantial amounts of illegal substances, including 907 grams of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 708 grams of heroin, 6 grams of MDMA, and 180 grams of THC-infused gummies. Authorities also seized $85,550 in cash and cash counting machines. In a shipping container adjacent to the property, police found an inactive clandestine drug laboratory.

Fire and Rescue New South Wales deployed heavy hazmat teams to safely remove the drug manufacturing equipment. The operation involved State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad Chemical Operations Team working alongside Strike Force Questa detectives.

Two men were taken into custody in connection with the raid. Gaige Jack, 23, was arrested at a residence in St Clair. Police confiscated $10,000 in cash, his Ford Ranger ute, and his mobile phone. He was charged with participating in the supply of a prohibited drug exceeding a commercial quantity and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order. Jack was granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Penrith Local Court on September 4.

Ethan Fitzgerald, 26, was apprehended in Penrith. Authorities seized $40,000 in cash, steroids, a Rolex watch, his Ford Ranger ute, and 1 kilogram of cannabis valued at approximately $5,000 from his residence. Fitzgerald faces charges related to the supply of a prohibited drug in a quantity less than indictable and dealing with property proceeds of crime under $100,000. He was also granted bail and is due to appear in Penrith Local Court later in July.

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