Police bust P lab

Northland police were shocked to find four young children - including a 2-year-old - living in a house containing a large methamphetamine lab, homemade explosives, firearms and toxic chemicals.
Police  searched the Tangiteroria house, 32km south-west of Whangarei, on Wednesday.
When officers arrived at the address there was evidence of a significant drug operation and there were four children aged 14, 11, 6 and two-and-a-half.
The siblings were collected from the house by a family member while police carried out their search.
During the search officers found dangerous chemical substances, a firearm, equipment used for the manufacture of methamphetamine and a homemade explosive device.
Northland Police Organised Crime Unit Detective Sergeant Mike Blowers said officers were alarmed children were living in living in such a hazardous environment.
"It is also a concern that four children, aged under 14 years, were living at the address and were being exposed to the dangerous substances," Mr Blowers said.
He said generally toxic chemicals used by manufacturers of methamphetamine were stored in plastic drink bottles and unlabelled containers in unlocked garages or cupboards, making it extremely dangerous for children.
Police say the latest lab was an operation of significant size.
But until testing of liquids seized from a garage at the house were tested by Environmental Science and Research, they were unable to say what quantities had been produced.
"The lab is believed to have been operating for a number of weeks," Mr Blowers said.
Scientists from Auckland's ESR were called in and were at the house gathering evidence for four hours on Wednesday.
Mr Blowers said locating the lab and arresting two offenders should send a message to those who continued to manufacture and supply illicit drugs that police will be targeting them.
A 38-year-old man appeared in Whangarei District Court yesterday on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of a precursor substance, unlawful possession of a pistol and unlawful possession of explosives.
He was remanded in custody and will appear again on Monday.
A 32-year-old woman is jointly charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.
She also faces a charge of permitting premises to be used for drug offences.
She will appear in Whangarei District Court next Wednesday.
Mr Blowers urged members of the public to contact their local police station if they were aware of any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.
In particular, if they noticed strong chemical smells around a property or large stockpiles of empty containers and any unusual late-night activity.

People with information can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.