Invercargill police busted the town's first P lab at gunpoint, which was caught in a drama that stretched out in full public view this morning. The armed offenders' squad didn't touch him, fearing he had been contaminated by drug-making chemicals.

"You're dealing with volatile chemicals, there is a high risk and there have certainly been other incidents where in the manufacturing process things have gone wrong, and they can lead to explosions", said Snr Sgt Brian Cowie of Invercargill police.

The police raided a local motel in Tay St this morning. Items were found there that could be used to manufacture methamphetamine in a unit. To conduct a scene examination, a specialist ESR staff will travel to Invercargill tomorrow. The police are interviewing two Christchurch men, who they say are likely to face charges.

"We have to be honest about that. It is on the streets, but you know with these people coming into the town and producing more, it's just going to increase the problem that we're facing on a daily basis", said Mr. Cowie.