Mount chemical yard raided for P ingredient

Two men were caught on CCTV footage syphoning hypophosphorous acid from a Mount Maunganui commercial chemical yard. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A Mount Maunganui commercial chemical yard was raided last night for hypophosphorous acid, a key compound in the commercial manufacture of methamphetamine.

Mount Maunganui Police were investigating the yard on Totara St about 11:15pm last night.

Detective Matt Valentine said the offenders were disturbed by staff and left quickly taking a large quantity of hypophosphorous acid.

Some acid was spilled and it was possible the offenders had chemical burns from the spilt acid.

Hypophosphorous acid was a key compound the the commercial manufacture of methamphetamine.

Police obtained closed circuit television footage from the facility and are currently conducting a scene examination.

Police are appealing to the public, particularly those travelling via the Harbour bridge and Totara St Mount Maunganui, between 10pm and midnight for any information that might help to identify the people involved in this burglary.

Police are also keen to hear from members of the public who are aware of or have suspicions about people who have been in contact with such chemicals.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 07 577 4300 or in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Matt Valentine Detective Constable Mount Maunganui Tactical Crime Unit