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.
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