Great-grandmother granted bail in $2.66M Hunter meth lab case
Michele Annette Wilder was granted bail on charges of sourcing chemicals for a Hunter meth lab worth $2.66 million.
Michele Annette Wilder, 59, of Aberglasslyn, was granted bail after being accused of buying nearly $40,000 worth of lab equipment between January and April this year. Police say the equipment was used to make methamphetamine at a Port Stephens lab found in June.
Police found 50kg of pseudoephedrine, 12.5kg of methamphetamine, 1kg of cocaine, and equipment worth $2.66 million in street value at the lab. When they raided Wilder's house in July, they found 42 grams of methamphetamine and $1,700 in cash.
Wilder is a great-grandmother and grandmother of eight who worked as a secretary for a community health service for more than 20 years. Justice Phillip Boulten said she had "a remarkable background for someone accused of such serious crime."
He granted bail on condition of a $150,000 surety, daily police reporting, and a curfew.
- 59
- Age
- Nearly $40,000
- Equipment cost
- $2.66 million
- Drug street value
- $150,000
- Bail surety
Why it mattersThe case shows how organised crime can involve people with seemingly unblemished community backgrounds.
AustraliaA major methamphetamine manufacturing operation in the Hunter region has been disrupted, though the case will continue through NSW courts over coming months.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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