A man and woman will face court today, the latest in a string of people charged following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the state’s Northern Tablelands.
In November 2018, officers from the New England Police District’s Target Action Group (TAG) established Strike Force Helmich to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Moree area.
Following an extensive investigation, strike force officers arrested a 51-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman on Adelaide Street, Moree, about 6pm yesterday (Thursday 12 June 2020).
A search warrant was executed at home on Dover Street along with homes on Bolo street, where officers allegedly located and seized methylamphetamine, cannabis, drug paraphernalia and cash.
They were taken to Moree Police Station where the man was charged with five counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, two counts of supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The 54-year-old woman was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, supply prohibited drug, and owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises.
They were both refused bail to appear at Moree Local Court today (Friday 12 June 2020).
Yesterday’s charges are the culmination of a 19-month long investigation which has already seen a number of people already charged. Three have already been dealt with by the courts, with five remaining before the courts:
- A 50-year-old man who was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and supply prohibited drug yesterday (Thursday 11 June 2020). He remains bail refused to appear at Moree Local Court today (Friday 12 June 2020).
- A 48-year-old man who was charged on Friday 5 June 2020 with supply prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, possess unauthorised prohibited firearm and two counts of possess prohibited drug. The man remains bail refused and will reappear at Moree Local Court on Monday 3 August 2020.
- A 25-year-old woman who was charged on Friday 5 June 2020 with three counts of possess prohibited drug. She was granted conditional bail to appear at Moree Local Court on Monday 6 July 2020.
- A 50-year-old man who was charged with possess prohibited drug in February 2020, and a 31-year-old woman charged with possess prohibited drug in April 2020. Both are next due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Monday 22 June 2020.
Commander, Superintendent Scott Tanner, said the New England PD is committed to targeting those involved in the supply of illicit drugs within local communities.
“These arrests demonstrate the incredible disregard drug suppliers have for the wider community, their neighbours and even their families,” Supt Tanner said.
“The investigators attached to Strike Force Helmich have worked tirelessly over the past 19 months, showing great focus and diligence in identifying and charging those before the court; many have made personal sacrifices to effect the arrests of these offenders.
“It is another example of the commitment that New England police have to reducing organised crime and protecting our community,” he said.
Supt Tanner congratulated the officers on the success of this exhaustive investigation.
