A man accused of running a clandestine drug lab in Adelaide’s northeastern suburbs is now facing additional firearms and drug charges after police uncovered more weapons and chemicals during an ongoing search of his property.
According to The Advertiser, Zenon Barry Joannou, 45, appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 21 where he was denied bail following his arrest after police allegedly found a meth lab and a loaded firearm at his Paradise home on Tuesday, May 20.
Police now allege that a further two weapons – a revolver and a lever-action shotgun – were seized from the property on Wednesday, along with more chemicals and lab equipment discovered in a vehicle at the scene.
Joannou, who has a criminal history involving firearms and drug manufacturing, had previously served four years in prison for related offences.
Despite defence submissions that he should be released on home detention to care for his ill mother and son, Magistrate Luke Davis refused bail.
“You are a dangerous man, you have many priors for carrying an offensive weapon,” Mr Davis said.
“Not even close,” he added, in response to suggestions that any risk to the community could be mitigated by home detention.
The court heard the drug lab was allegedly located in a shed at the back of the property, with police seizing around 100 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded gun.
Mr Joannou has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court in June 2026.
Source: The Advertiser
