Two men – aged 67 and 48 – have been charged with drug supply offences after a large amount of cannabis was located across the Hunter and Lake Macquarie areas yesterday.
In July this year, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Jinker to investigate the commercial supply of cannabis in the Port Stephens and lower Hunter areas.
Strike force detectives – with assistance from Lake Macquarie Police District – executed three search warrants at Beresfield, Vacy and Jewells yesterday.
“Investigators located and dismantled hydroponic setups in varying sizes at all three locations – seizing 162 plants and 5kg of cannabis bud,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Police also seized drug paraphernalia, nun chucks, ammunition and firearm parts.
A 67-year-old man was arrested at the Beresfield home. He was charged with take part enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis commercial. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
A 48-year-old man was arrested during the Belmont search warrant. He was charged with supply prohibited drug and cultivate cannabis indictable quantity. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
Investigations under Strike Force Jinker are continuing, with further arrests anticipated, Police said.
Anyone with information about Strike Force Jinker is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Â