Two people are facing charges after a police search for a shoplifter alleged to have stolen 13,000 worth of items led officers to accidentally uncover a clandestine meth lab in South Auckland.
Officers were initially making inquiries at an address in Manurewa to locate a woman with two warrants for arrest and a number of dishonesty offences across Auckland.
Police alleged she was responsible for targeting multiple retailers, mostly supermarkets, across Auckland and has stolen more than $13,000 worth of items.
Counties Manukau South Senior Sergeant MJ Riddle said officers attended an address on Beaumonts Way Extension, however the alleged offender was not at the address and instead officers located a suspected clan lab.
"Subsequently, one person was taken into custody at the address and a scene examination was conducted."
Riddle said yesterday police made further inquiries to locate the woman at an address in Papatoetoe.
"From information received police were then directed to an alternative address in Māngere where the alleged offender was found hiding on the top story of an apartment building.
A 58-year-old man was remanded in custody and will reappear in Manukau District Court on July 24 charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine.
A 19-year-old female will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with multiple counts of shoplifting.
"This is an excellent outcome and the number of charges laid reflect the brazen nature of this alleged offending," said Riddle.
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