DRUG SUSPECT ON THE RUN

IAN EDWARD KNIGHT is WA's most wanted man.

Mr Knight, who is linked to the Coffin Cheaters bikie gang, was on the run
last night after police discovered WA's biggest illicit drug laboratory in
a trailer on an isolated track near his Serpentine farmhouse.

The laboratory had enough dangerous chemicals to make up to 150kg of
amphetamine worth $20 million.

The tactical response group, Peel detectives and organised crime officers
raided the farmhouse last night but Mr Knight had disappeared. He also is
wanted over an ATM robbery in Pinjarra on Monday.

He had been on bail since February over allegations he hid inside a police
station and posed as a policeman to buy a laser-sighted semi-automatic pistol.

A senior officer allegedly was squirted in the face with pepper spray
during a subsequent struggle. Mr Knight was released on bail after being
charged.

Police confirmed last night that his surety had been withdrawn. They sent
Mr Knight's photograph by email to every police station in WA.

They fear he may flee interstate or overseas. Airports, bus stations and
ports were being monitored.

"We believe he may be in possession of a firearm and if members of the
public see him, they are not to approach him but should call police
immediately," Det-Sgt John Hindriksen said.

Mr Knight is wanted for questioning in the eastern States. Police say he
has used several identities across Australia. Even his partner who was in
the Serpentine house during the raid knew him by another name.

He is Caucasian, 178cm tall, slim, with hazel eyes and grey hair. He has
been known to wear a moustache and shave his head.

Peel detectives closed in on Mr Knight on Wednesday after linking him to
the ATM robbery in which the machine was ripped from a wall of the
Challenge Bank in George Street, Pinjarra, and loaded on to the back of a
four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Hours later, a railway maintenance worker came across the chemical-laden
trailer during a routine inspection. Chemists believe the chemicals could
have been used to produce up to 30kg of pure amphetamine, which could be
cut five times.

Officers last night were dismantling a second laboratory found in Mr
Knight's home.

Anyone who sees Mr Knight should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000.