Five men have been charged as part of investigations into an alleged large-scale drug supply operation in the state’s Riverina region.
In November 2020, Strike Force Currandooley was established by detectives attached to Murrumbidgee Police District to investigate the commercial supply of prohibited drugs, namely methylamphetamine, in the Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera townships.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested three men – aged 48, 49 and 54 – during a vehicle stop on Brobenah Road, Leeton, about 11am yesterday (Tuesday 8 December 2020).
They were taken to Griffith Police Station.
Shortly after the arrest, Strike Force Currandooley investigators executed two search warrants at homes in Narrandera, during which a further two men – aged 39 and 43 – were arrested.
They were taken to Narrandera Police Station.
A third search warrant was executed at a home in Griffith.
Local detectives were assisted throughout the operation by the Dog Unit, Public Order Riot Squad (PORS), Operational Support Group (OSG) and the Rural Crime Prevention Team.
During the searches, police seized several items including ‘ice’, cannabis and cash.
• The 39-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity);
• The 43-year-old man was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug.
They were both refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 9 December 2020).
• The 48-year-old man was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity);
• The 49-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug.
They were both refused bail to appear in Griffith Local Court today (Wednesday 9 December 2020).
The 54-year-old man was charged with knowingly take part in supply of prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Griffith Local Court on Wednesday 13 January 2021.
Murrumbidgee Police District Commander, Superintendent Craig Ireland, said the arrests are the culmination a month of investigations by local detectives.
“The hard work and dedication of our officers has led to the arrest and charge of five people for drug offences,” Supt Ireland said.
“Ice is a poison and it has the potential to destroy communities – I want to reinforce the message that supplying drugs will not be tolerated in our community.
“We will continue to dismantle criminal networks operating in our region, even if we have to do it one by one,” Supt Ireland said.
Inquiries are continuing.
