Strike Force Portside charge four in north-west NSW drug operation

Four people have been charged following an investigation into the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in the state’s north west.

In May 2020, detectives attached to Central North Police District established Strike Force Portside to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Bourke area.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives and officers attached to Central North Police District arrested a 27 year-old man at a home in Bourke about 9am yesterday (Wednesday 19 August 2020).

He was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug, and possess prohibited drug.

Shortly after, a second man, aged 27, was arrested at a home in Bourke, and a 34-year-old woman was arrested at a third address in Bourke.

The man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, and possess equipment for administering drug.

The woman was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug.

The two men were bail refused to appear at Bourke Local Court today (Tuesday 20 August 2020).

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear at Bourke Local Court on 10 September 2020.

About 10.35am yesterday (Wednesday 19 August 2020), officers attached to Central West Police District arrested a 34-year-old man at a home on Leumeah Place, Orange.

He was taken to Orange Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug, and breach of bail.

The man was bail refused to appear before Orange Local Court today (Thursday 20 August 2020).

Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Hurst, said yesterday’s arrests come after months of dedicated police work focused on disrupting drug-related crime in the Central North Police District.

“This investigation follows inquiries conducted under Strike Force Quarrang which resulted in the arrest of seven people in April this year,” Supt Hurst said.

“I acknowledge the excellent work performed by the Proactive Crime Team in achieving these results and taking further steps to eliminate the supply of prohibited drugs in our community.”

Anyone with information about the supply of prohibited drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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