'Highly volatile' P-lab found near kindy

File photo / Martin Sykes

A "highly volatile" P-lab has been discovered just 20 metres from a Northland childcare centre.

The methamphetamine lab and cannabis operation was operating at a house over the fence from a Parakao childcare centre playground, about 40km west of Whangarei.

Whangarei police Detective Sergeant Rob Huys told the Northern Advocate the chemicals used to make methamphetamine were highly volatile and could cause an explosion.

Police believed at least one child under the age of five lived at the house. At least 18 pre-school children play at the child care centre every week.

A 34-year-old Parakao timber worker has appeared in Whangarei District Court charged with cultivating cannabis, producing cannabis oil, possession of precursor substances and manufacturing P.

- NZPA