Six people have been arrested as part of investigations into an alleged drug supply operation in the state’s south west.
In July 2019, Strike Force Cluck was established by the Southern Region Enforcement Squad to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Riverina area.
Following extensive investigations, strike force officers arrested four men and two women over their alleged involvement in the supply of ‘ice’ throughout the region.
The police operation began shortly after 7am Tuesday (1 October 2019), with search warrants executed at residential properties in Ashmont and Mount Austin.
Officers located and seized drugs, an imitation firearm and property suspected to be stolen.
Three men – aged 36, 38 and 41 – were arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station.
The 36-year-old man was charged with three counts of drug supply. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on 23 October 2019.
The 38-year-old man was charged with four counts of drug supply, operate drug premises, possess unauthorised pistol and acquire pistol subject to Firearm Prohibition Order. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on 27 November 2019.
The 41-year-old man was charged with 17 counts of drug supply (ongoing supply) and found on drug premises. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on 27 November 2019.
Strike Force Cluck investigators then attended a residential property in Junee, where two women – aged 37 and 25 – were arrested. The 37-year-old woman was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and the 25-year-old woman was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice.
Investigators then executed a further two search warrants in Junee, where police located and seized several items including drugs, cash, a taser, phones and a large safe.
A 56-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station.
The 37-year-old woman was charged with five counts of drug supply (ongoing). She was granted conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on 27 November 2019.
The 25-year-old woman was charged with one count of drug supply and the 56-year-old man was charged with four counts of drug supply (ongoing). Both were granted conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on 13 November 2019.
Riverina Police District Commander, Superintendent Bob Noble said the arrests are the culmination of excellent work by the Region Enforcement Squad.
“The supply of drugs in regional towns has a major impact on our community, and it simply won’t be tolerated,” Supt Noble said.
“We will continue to target those engaging in the supply of illegal drugs, and rest assured anyone who engages in these activities will face the full brunt of the law.
“The strike force activity in this area will have a major impact on the distribution of drugs in our region and crime trends across the Riverina.”
Police inquiries are continuing.
