Auckland Police have uncovered a meth lab while on the hunt for an alleged prolific shoplifter

Officers were looking for the woman at a Manuwera address on Monday, when they discovered more than they bargained for - a suspected clan lab.

A 58-year-old man was remanded in custody and will reappear in court, charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine.

Police managed to find their original target - a 19-year-old - hiding on top of an apartment building in Mangere yesterday.

She's been charged with multiple counts of shoplifting.