News 
 Local News 
 News 
 General 
 Drug lab found after shots were fired 

Drug lab found after shots were fired

19 Nov, 2009 04:00 AM
THERE were dramatic scenes in Falcon on the weekend when police swooped on a property following reports of gunshots and uncovered an alleged clandestine drug laboratory.

The Tactical Response Group was called to the Coco Drive house on Saturday morning after police attending the scene heard shots fired from inside.

The street was cordoned off and the area secured while a police negotiator attempted to get the occupants out of the house after they had reportedly barricaded themselves in.

Heavily armed officers were on stand-by as the alleged offenders surrendered themselves to police one by one.

Two men, a woman and a female juvenile were taken into custody and questioned by detectives.

The woman and teenager were released without charge but the men, Frank Anthony Spatara, 24, of Falcon and Bill Franssen, 24, of Balcatta were charged with a string of drug, firearms and explosives offences.

A search of the property allegedly uncovered numerous items consistent with the manufacture of illicit drugs.

The Chemical Operation Team attended the scene to dismantle the alleged clan lab while emergency services personnel were on stand-by.

Officers will allege they found a .45-calibre semi-automatic pistol with two loaded magazines inside the house.

Also alleged to have been found were a number of detonator cords with detonators, a quantity of gun shot powder and a number of .45-calibre shell casings.

Bullet holes were reported to have been visible on the ceiling as well as on two signs outside the house.

The two men arrested following the incident appeared in the Perth Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Spatara was charged with manufacture of methylamphetamine, possession of a firearm with circumstances of aggravation, possession of unlicensed ammunition, being armed in a way that may cause fear, two counts of possession of a smoking implement and possession of cannabis.

Franssen’s charges included manufacture of methylamphetamine, possession of a firearm with circumstances of aggravation, possession of unlicensed ammunition, being armed in a way that may cause fear, possession of explosives and breach of bail.

Neither man was required to plead.

Spatara was released on bail and will face court again on December 12.

Franssen was remanded in custody and will reappear before the court on November 30.

Print
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size

comments


No comments yet. Be the first to comment below.

post a comment


Screen name  *
Email address  *
Remember me?
Comment  *
 
We invite and encourage our readers to post comments. Comments are moderated and will appear as soon as our editor has approved them. When posting comments you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.
Shots fired: A Coco Drive house in Falcon was cordoned off on the weekend after reports of gunfire uncovered an alleged illicit drug lab.
Shots fired: A Coco Drive house in Falcon was cordoned off on the weekend after reports of gunfire uncovered an alleged illicit drug lab.

Most popular articles

Yourguide to Your Toyota
 SEND...
 SAVE...
 SHARE...