Brisbane police bust drug lab, seize cash, firearm

A Brisbane man has faced court accused of drug manufacturing and trafficking on a commercial scale following the discovery of a heavily-equipped meth lab in the city's north.

Strike force detectives raided the Pinkenba property, allegedly locating a pill press and equipment suspected of being used to produce methamphetamine, cocaine and ketamine on Tuesday.

The search also uncovered more than half a million dollars in cash, a large amount of glassware, cooking implements, containers, electrical equipment and chemicals, as well as a cash counting machine, hand gun and silencer.

A 38-year-old man from Albion was meanwhile arrested at Brisbane International Airport and charged with 12 offences.

They include possessing, trafficking and producing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of weapons.

Police said he was due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Detective Inspector John Mison said investigators would continue to target dangerous and illegal drug activity.

"Our officers work tirelessly to detect, disrupt and dismantle these type of illegal drug activities and I commend the diligent efforts of all involved in this substantial operation," he said.