Officers allegedly found a large amount of methamphetamine, a clandestine drug laboratory, $583,000 in cash and a handgun with silencer.

Fara was facing more charges after police discovered equipment for drug production, 900 kilograms of precursor chemicals, and a handgun in a storage unit in Rothwell, near Brisbane, on August 1, 2023.

Police claimed Rothwell was a potential “super lab” that could have produced half a billion dollars’ worth of meth.

“This is not a drug user dealing to other users. This is a sophisticated operation,” Justice Bowskill said.

“(The charges) are the result of a significant police investigation leading to the discovery of an industrial-scale methamphetamine lab.”

Prosecutor Grace Devereaux argued that Fara’s proposal to post a $255,000 bond and adhere to strict bail conditions, including reporting daily to law enforcement, was insufficient to mitigate the flight risk.

“He has demonstrated a willingness to go to great lengths to flee the country and evade the repercussions of these charges,” Devereaux stated.

Justice Bowskill was informed that police initially reported finding 41 kilograms of methamphetamine at the suspected drug lab, but now estimate there were about 1.1 kilograms of pure meth within 60 kilograms of another substance.

“It’s still really serious but not of the magnitude alleged by police,” Tai said.

Justice Bowskill was also told that Fara’s court proceedings were being delayed due to the pending final DNA analysis of evidence such as cigarette butts and drug lab equipment.

“It is unfortunate there are these delays in the progress of the matter due to delays in the DNA systems but I can’t put more weight on than the risk of this person not appearing (in court),” she said.

Justice Bowskill refused Fara’s bail application and told prosecutors to present their indictment against him as soon as possible.