''The wheels have fallen off'' a $20 million federal program to fight the booming amphetamine trade amid a surge in the number of drug laboratories run by outlaw bikie clubs and other crime groups.

Secret NSW and Victorian police briefings, obtained by the Herald, show senior police believe Australia's amphetamine drug-busting program is in disarray.

*If 2010 continues at same rate to December.

The Herald has also obtained confidential figures from state forces across the nation that estimate 756 drug labs will be detected this year, almost double the number three years ago.

That rise, partly attributable to increased detection, mainly relates to more drug production, police say. The revelations come days after the Home Affairs Minister, Brendan O'Connor, praised the Gillard government's plans to tackle the booming amphetamine trade by "directing resources to the areas of greatest importance".