Two Men Arrested After Ketamine Lab Raid in Essex
Two men, aged 44 and 73, were arrested after the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Essex Police raided a suspected ketamine lab in a rented property on Barnston Way, Hutton, last Friday afternoon.
Massive Drug Haul Discovered
Officers uncovered between 15 and 20 kilos of ketamine along with lab equipment used to produce the class B drug. The raid, which involved specialist search teams from Essex Police, continued into Saturday as the investigation unfolded.
Investigation Underway
The 73-year-old suspect was released on bail pending further enquiries, while the 44-year-old remains in police custody.
NCA Regional Head of Investigation Jacque Beer said: “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 the lab and safely removed all the equipment. I’d like to thank the fire service, ambulance crews, and local partners for their assistance. We want to reassure the public that a full investigation is ongoing.
“Working with our policing partners, we are committed to tackling the drug trade, which harms communities and fuels further crime.”
