Two men charged over the alleged manufacture and supply of a large commercial quantity of illegal drugs will remain in custody until they face court again later this year.
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Tony Anthony Khoury, 47, and Bradley Michael Power, 36, were arrested at the weekend after police dismantled a clandestine laboratory at Tuggerah, which investigators allege had the capacity to make $2.4 million worth of the drug ice.
They were charged with one count each of manufacturing a prohibited drug greater than or equal to a large commercial quantity, supplying a prohibited drug greater than or equal to a large commercial quantity and possession of a prohibited drug.
The pair faced Wyong Local Court on Monday, where neither applied for bail and it was formally refused.
Magistrate Elizabeth Ellis adjourned the matter to September 8, when the brief of evidence is expected to be served.
It came after police working as part of Strike Force Collarene - formed to investigate the manufacture of prohibited drugs - arrested Mr Khoury and Mr Power at Ace Crescent about 5.45pm on Saturday.
Investigators then searched a business where they allegedly found a clandestine drug laboratory containing equipment and substances that police say are known to be used in the production of crystal methylamphetamine - also known as ice.
The State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad commander Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said the arrests were significant.
"Police will allege in court that the pair were members of a criminal syndicate manufacturing and supplying the drug ice," Superintendent Fileman said on Monday.
"The substances seized on Saturday in Tuggerah had the potential to manufacture a large commercial quantity of ice with an estimated street value of $2.4 million.
"As the importing of illicit substances has become more challenging for organised crime, many groups are turning to manufacturing their own supply to keep up with market demand.
"But while they are adjusting the way they do business, NSW Police and our partner agencies such as the NSWCC [NSW Crime Commission], will remain just as dogged in our shutting down their operations and putting those responsible before the courts."
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