'SPEED' FACTORIES FOUND

THE professionalism of two amphetamines laboratories raided by police
suggests many so-called party drugs are made in WA and not imported
from interstate and overseas.

An amphetamine manufacturing ring with possible international links was
smashed after police and Customs officers descended on Manjimup on
Friday.

A joint operation between Australian Federal Police, Customs, the WA
police organised crime unit, bomb squad and local police resulted in
raids on two properties.

Police have warned that WA country areas were being sought by drug
syndicates, who believed they were beyond the reach of the law in
isolated areas.

It is understood a police surveillance operation began after Customs
officers learnt that a big shipment of chemicals that could be used to
make amphetamines was headed for WA.

They alerted federal police who tracked the chemicals to Manjimup.

Act. Supt George Loverock, of the Bunbury district office, said raids
on properties about 10km from Manjimup on Friday proved criminals were
not above the law in country WA.

"On Friday, there was a joint operation between several law enforcement
agencies with the assistance of Manjimup police," he said.

The Manjimup Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service also attended.

"A search warrant was executed on a property in Manjimup and they
located a clandestine laboratory," Act. Supt Loverock said.

"The laboratory was set up to make illicit drugs which I believe could
possibly be amphetamines."

While that laboratory was not functioning, a raid on an adjacent
property uncovered a fully operational drug factory.

About 100kg of precursors which could make a substantial amount of
amphetamines was allegedly discovered during the search.

Police say a shed at the rear of the second property was being used to
house another drug plant which was ready to start producing drugs.

Acting Supt Loverock said drug syndicates were drawn to country areas
because the wide open spaces meant people could operate without raising
suspicions.

"You don't need a lot of space for a lab," he said. "You can put one in
a bathroom or a shed.

"Anywhere where you have access to water and power.

"It (the police raid) puts the message out that you might think you are
safe but we know what is going on."

He urged people who noticed suspicious activities at neighbouring
properties to contact police.

Stephen Gray Pallister, 37, of Manjimup, has been charged with one
count of manufacturing a prohibited drug.

Mr Pallister, who is believed to be a pyrotechnist, appeared in Bunbury
Magistrate's Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody after he was
unable to raise $50,000 set for bail. He is due to appear in court
again today.