Two men were arrested following a major ketamine lab bust in Hutton, Essex, carried out by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Essex Police on Friday.
The suspects, aged 44 and 73, were detained at a rented property on Barnston Way on suspicion of producing class B drugs.
Authorities seized an estimated 15 to 20 kilos of ketamine along with laboratory equipment used for manufacturing the drugs during the operation.
Specialist search teams from Essex Police collaborated with the NCA in the weekend-long raid to dismantle the suspected drug production site.
Following the arrests, the 73-year-old man was released on bail pending further inquiries, while the 44-year-old remains in custody as investigations continue.
Jacque Beer, NCA Regional Head of Investigation, stated, “We suspect the flat was being rented exclusively for the purpose of housing a drugs factory capable of producing large quantities of ketamine. Alongside Essex Police, we have dismantled it and safely removed the equipment. Thanks to local partners including the fire service and ambulance crews for their help.”
She added, “We are committed to tackling the drug trade, which harms communities and fuels further crime.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
