KEY POINTS:
A Christchurch man faces several drug charges after allegedly crashing his car when overcome by fumes from a methamphetamine laboratory in the boot.
Police were called to the crash on State Highway 1 north of Christchurch just after 5.30pm yesterday when emergency staff noticed a strong chemical smell.
They discovered equipment and chemicals consistent with a methamphetamine lab in the boot of one of the cars involved.
"The driver of a southbound vehicle appears to have been overcome by chemical fumes and his vehicle was seen to drift to the other side of the road before colliding head-on with a northbound vehicle," Detective Senior Sergeant Dave long said.
Neither driver was injured in the crash and Mr Long said it was "extremely fortunate" that chemicals in the vehicle did not explode.
Police ensured there was no danger to the public and guarded the vehicle overnight.
Mr Long said it was too dangerous to move the vehicle and police and Environmental Science and Research staff would dismantle the lab at the crash scene today.
"This will involve recording and collecting evidence before removing the chemicals and equipment for safe disposal," he said.
It was the sixth clandestine drug lab found in Canterbury this year, while police nationally have located 187 labs.
Mr Long said there was no danger to the public while the lab was processed.
A 39-year-old man was to appear in Christchurch District Court today charged with possessing precursor chemicals, possessing equipment for the manufacture of methamphetamine and dangerous driving.
- NZPA
