Nine people have now been charged after a coordinated operation targeting a drug supply network in the state’s Northern Rivers.
In February 2019, Strike Force Balsillie was established by detectives at Richmond Police District to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine and firearms in Casino.
As a result of extensive inquiries, eight people were arrested yesterday (Thursday 29 August 2019) during 11 coordinated search warrants at properties in Casino, Drake, Tabulam, East Lismore, Lismore and Irvington. An additional person has been arrested and charged this morning.
Officers attached to Richmond Police District were assisted by the Tactical Operations Unit, Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad, Operational Support Group and the NSW Police Dog Unit.
During the search warrants, various amounts of methylamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis were located and seized, along with several replica firearms, drug paraphernalia and cash.
A 34-year-old woman was arrested at a property on Hickey Street, Casino. She was charged with 18 offences, including supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, take part in supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity, supply unregistered firearm, unlawfully sell firearms, possess unregistered firearm, possess ammunition without licence, not keep firearm safely, and possess prohibited drug. She was refused bail to face Lismore Local Court today (Friday 30 August 2019).
A 32-year-old man was arrested at a property on Johnson Street, Casino. He was charged with six offences including supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity, possess prohibited drug, possess ammunition without licence, and possess unauthorised firearm. He was refused bail to face Lismore Local Court today (Friday 30 August 2019).
A 43-year-old man was arrested at a property on Bellbird Road, Drake. He was charged with supply firearm to unauthorised person and take part in supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity. He was granted conditional bail to face Lismore Local Court on Wednesday 11 September 2019.
A 49-year-old man was arrested at a property on Walker Street, East Lismore. He was charged with supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity and possess prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail to face Lismore Local Court on Thursday 10 October 2019.
A 57-year-old man was arrested at a property on the Bruxner Highway, Irvington. He was charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime. He was granted conditional bail to face Casino Local Court on Thursday 10 October 2019.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at a property on Durack Circuit, Casino. He was charged with six offences including supply prohibited drug greater than small quantity, supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity, deal with property proceeds of crime
A 44-year-old man was arrested at a property on Paddys Flat Road, Tabulam. He was charged with eight offences including possess prohibited drug, possess restricted/prescribed substance, possess unregistered firearm, possess ammunition without licence and not keep firearm safely. He was granted conditional bail to face Casino Local Court on Thursday 19 September 2019.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at a Casino property for outstanding arrest warrants. He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Friday 30 August 2019).
Following further investigations, today (Friday 30 August 2019) a 40-year-old man was arrested at an address in Tabulam. He was charged with supply prohibited drug. He’s been refused bail to face Lismore Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Balsillie are ongoing, with further arrests expected.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
