NSW police update: 24 charged after investigations into drug supply

NSW Police have now charged 24 people with more than 80 offences following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the state’s Murray River region.

In June this year, officers attached to Southern Region Enforcement Squad established Strike Force Schaefer to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs – namely methylamphetamine (ice) and cocaine – in Albury and surrounding areas.

Following extensive investigations, the Southern Region Enforcement Squad – with assistance from Murray River and Riverina Police Districts and the Dog Unit – executed six search warrants at properties in the North Albury, West Albury and Lavington areas yesterday (Wednesday 8 December 2021).

During yesterday’s operation, officers seized a sawn-off .22 calibre shotgun, a replica rifle, knuckle dusters, two electronic stun devices, and $18,000 cash.

Officers also seized prohibited drugs – including 1.5kg of cannabis, and methylamphetamine (ice) – as well as prescription medication.

Yesterday, police arrested and charged 13 people with drug-related offences. They remain before the courts.

As part of ongoing inquiries, officers arrested a further 11 people today (Thursday 9 December 2021).

  • A 40-year-old Albury man was charged with nine counts of supply prohibited drug, and one count of supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis. He was refused bail and is due to appear in Albury Local Court today (Thursday 9 December 2021).
  • A 38-year-old South Albury woman was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug. She was denied bail to appear at Albury Local Court today.
  • A 21-year-old Albury woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
  • A 43-year-old man from Albury was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
  • A 37-year-old Thurgoona man was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
  • A 26-year-old man from Albury was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for two counts of supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
  • A 29-year-old Albury man was charged with supply prohibited drug. He was refused bail to appear in Albury Local Court tomorrow (Friday 10 December).
  • A 44-year-old Albury woman was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug and granted conditional bail to appear in Albury Local Court on Monday 17 January 2022.
  • A 57-year-old Albury man was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for take part supply prohibited drug.
  • A 27-year-old man from Albury was charged with supply prohibited drug. He was denied bail to appear in Albury Local Court tomorrow (Friday 10 December 2021).
  • A 33-year-old Albury man was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for supply prohibited drug.

All six people issued Court Attendance Notices (CANs) are due to appear at Albury Local Court on Monday 17 January 2022.

Inquiries under Strike Force Schaefer are continuing.

/Public Release. View in full here.