File image: Warialda.
Police have disrupted a major drug supply ring in the state’s northwest, arresting three people who are now facing more than 80 serious drugs charges.
In March 2020, investigators attached to New England Police District established Strike Force Midwest to investigate large-scale drug supply within the Inverell district.
About 10.30am on Thursday, police arrested a man and woman, aged 32 and 27, at a home in Warialda.
During a search of the home, police recovered stolen property, cash, and white powder believed to be methamphetamine.
They were taken to Inverell Police Station where they were charged with multiple drug-related offences.
The man was charged with the following 38 offences:
- Supply prohibited drug – less than indictable quantity (x16)
- Supply prohibited drug – less than commercial quantity (x3)
- Supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis (x4)
- Take part supply prohibited drug – less than indictable quantity (x4)
- Supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity
- Take part supply prohibited drug – less than commercial quantity
- Knowingly/ recklessly direct criminal group assist crime
- Knowingly direct activities of criminal group (x2)
- Owner/ occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x2)
- Goods suspected stolen
- Possess prohibited drug (x2)
The man was refused bail and appeared at Inverell Local Court on Friday, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on December 10.
The woman was charged with six drug supply offences. She was refused bail and appeared at Inverell Local Court on Friday, where she was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on November 5.
Following further inquiries, police arrested a 39-year-old man at a home on Mulligan Street at Inverell, shortly after 10.30am on Friday.
The man was taken to Inverell Police Station where he was charged with the following 39 offences:
- Supply prohibited drug (indictable) (x34)
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x2)
- Participate in criminal group contribute to criminal acts
- Owner/ occupier knowingly allow use as a drug premises, and;
- Take part supply prohibited drug
He was refused bail and appeared at Inverell Local Court on Friday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear before the same court on December 10.
