Meth lab found in boot of crashed car

Photo / File

Three people have been charged after a hidden meth lab was found in a car that crashed in Hamilton after allegedly fleeing police this morning.

Hamilton CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said the car had been stopped by police in Beerescourt but the driver fled, resulting in a short pursuit.

The car crashed a short time later and the driver fled on foot, but he was later arrested with the help of a police dog following a brief struggle.

A search of the vehicle located equipment, chemicals and substances associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine, Mr Patterson said.

The Waikato Serious Crash Unit examined the scene on Te Rapa Rd with the assistance of the Auckland-based Clandestine Laboratory Team.

The 41-year-old male driver of the car was due to appear at Hamilton District Court today on charges of dangerous driving, failing to remain stopped for an enforcement officer, resisting arrest and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Two Hamilton women aged 42 and 21, who were allegedly passengers in the car when it crashed each face a charge of being in possession of drug utensils.