Six people are now before the courts and further arrests are expected following a ten-month long investigation into drug supply in the Illawarra region.
Strike Force Tulare was established by the Lake Illawarra Police District Drug Unit in January 2019 to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs.
Police allege a sophisticated syndicate operating out of the Shellharbour area were supplying various drugs including cocaine and ‘ice’.
Strike force investigators arrested five men during alleged drug transactions in Albion Park Rail and Shellharbour late last week (Thursday 17 October), with four of the five set to face Wollongong Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 23 October).
Five search warrants were executed at residential premises in Unanderra, Mount Warrigal and Shellharbour, with a number of items seized including prohibited drugs and weapons.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a house on Mary Street, Shellharbour last Friday (18 October 2019), where they seized prohibited drugs and a firearm. Charges are expected to be laid in relation to these items.
Shortly after 2.30pm yesterday (Monday 21 October 2019) a 21-year-old man was arrested at a residential property on Boollwarroo Parade, Shellharbour.
The man was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with nine counts of drug supply.
He was refused bail and is due to appear before Wollongong Local Court today (Tuesday 22 October 2019).
More than 30 charges have been laid to date relating to the supply of drugs, dealing in proceeds of crime and weapons offences as part of Strike Force Tulare.
Lake Illawarra Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Glen Broadhead said the supply of prohibited drugs will not be tolerated by police.
“We have a very clear message for anyone who is considering supplying prohibited drugs: this is only the tip of the iceberg,” Inspector Broadhead said.
“Our drug unit will continue to investigate those who choose to do the wrong thing, and they will face the full brunt of the law.”
Investigators are expecting to make further arrests in the coming weeks. Police inquiries are continuing.
