John Booth, 45, was arrested after police from Fawkner searched five properties in Morwell, Essendon North, Brunswick and South Melbourne.
Police say they seized 180 kilograms of 1,4-butanediol, a chemical that mimics the drug GHB when ingested, 34kg of iodine and 32kg of hypophosphorus acid, which are both precursors in methylamphetamine production.
llegal steroids, methylamphetamine, a handgun, an extendable baton, ammunition and three digital devices were also seized.
Police said the search uncovered 74 boxes of Lego, one Rolex watch and four Breitling watches, which investigators believe were purchased with the proceeds of crime.
Mr Booth is facing 10 charges, including trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, committing an indictable offence on bail, and dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of a crime.
He faced Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning, did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to appear in court in April.
Fawkner Divisional Response Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Brad Hobbs said 1,4-butanediol was sold at an “enormous profit, but also with enormous community harm”.
“Overwhelmingly what users believe is GHB is actually 1,4-butanediol,” he said. “The drug can be unpredictable and the difference between survival and a fatal overdose can be very small.
