Four people have been arrested as part of investigations into an alleged drug supply operation in the state’s south west.
In December 2019, Strike Force Merrigong 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 two men and two women over their alleged involvement in the supply of MDMA, amphetamines and cocaine throughout the region.
The police operation began shortly after 7am yesterday (Tuesday 11 February 2020), with search warrants executed at residential properties in Kooringal, North Wagga Wagga and Mount Austin.
Officers located and seized drugs, more than $10,000 cash and two vehicles.
Two men and a woman – aged in their early 20’s – were arrested at a Kooringal address and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station.
The 20-year-old man was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), two counts of supply prohibited drug (indicatable quantity), deal with proceeds of crime, knowingly direct activities of a criminal group and possess prohibited weapon.
Police will allege in court the man was directing members of the syndicate to supply prohibited drugs on his behalf and was storing large quantities of prohibited drugs and cash.
He was refused bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 12 February 2020).
The 24-year-old man was charged with two counts of knowingly take part in the supply of prohibited drug, two counts of supply prohibited drug (indicatable quantity) and participate in criminal group.
He was refused bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 12 February 2020.
A 22-year-old woman was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), two counts of supply prohibited drug (indicatable quantity), supply prohibited drug (small quantity) and participate in criminal group.
She was refused bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 12 February 2020).
A fourth person – a 20-year-old woma – was arrested in North Wagga Wagga and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station, where she was charged with knowingly take part in the supply of prohibited drug, four counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug (ongoing basis) and participate in criminal group.
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on 8 April 2020.
Southern Region Operations Manager, Detective Superintendent Kevin McNeil 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 the community, and it simply won’t be tolerated,” Supt McNeil 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.
“If anyone in the community has any information about the supply of illegal drugs, I would like to urge them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or local police.”
Inquiries are continuing.
