LUCK LEADS LAW TO DRUG FACTORY

Two men will appear in the Waitakere District Court today after police
stumbled across a methamphetamine laboratory in a Glen Eden house.

The armed offenders squad was called to the Solar Rd property on Saturday
after police stopped at the house to make inquiries about a car they had
been following.

"They disturbed a rather elaborate, sophisticated and large methamphetamine
manufacturing process," said Detective Sergeant Craig Turley.

"It was a little unexpected ... They approached the house, knocked on the
door and there was banging and crashing and a strange smell."

The squad was called in to secure the property because of the risks
associated with the chemicals.

People living in three or four nearby houses were evacuated.

Mr Turley said one of the men was arrested soon after but the second
barricaded himself in the ceiling and was talked down a few hours later.
Police were searching for a third person.

The men, aged 30 and 31, will appear on charges of manufacturing
methamphetamine. Further charges are likely.

Environmental Science and Research staff and police were working to
dismantle the laboratory.

Mr Turley said police were concerned the laboratory was in a built-up,
residential area.

"Methamphetamine laboratories have huge potential for exploding. There are
toxic chemicals involved and they are very dangerous.

"This was in a residential street with families all around and they are
happily manufacturing this stuff," Mr Turley said.

"It really is a worry. We are keen for information on any clandestine
laboratories."

Police seized a number of cars from the property, including a Porsche.