Police have charged a further three people in connection with an alleged state-wide drug supply network operating across Sydney’s south west and the state’s central west.
In February 2019, detectives attached to Western Region established Strike Force Pinnacle to investigate an ongoing large-scale drug supply network operating from Wellington, NSW.
Early inquiries revealed the syndicate was allegedly sourcing prohibited drugs – mainly methylamphetamine (ice), but also MDMA and heroin – from Sydney, and distributing them to regional towns across NSW.
Subsequently, in January 2020, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad established Strike Force Laverick to investigate the syndicate’s links in Sydney.
Between February 2019 and late March 2020, 15 people were arrested and charged as a result of ongoing inquiries.
On Wednesday 27 May 2020, a further 12 people were charged by Strike Force Pinnacle detectives, while six were charged by Strike Force Laverick detectives.
Last Tuesday (9 June 2020), a 27-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man were charged.
They all remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District arrested a 39-year-old man following a foot pursuit on Simpson Street, Wellington, just before 5pm yesterday (Sunday 14 June 2020).
During the arrest, OC spray was deployed and a constable suffered a hand injury.
The man was searched, and police allegedly located methylamphetamine and $1600 cash.
A 25-year-old woman was also arrested for allegedly hindering police.
Following the arrests, investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Simpson Street about 8pm.
During the search, police found $3750 cash in a vehicle in the backyard.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the property after an air rifle was found inside a caravan.
They were all taken to Wellington Police Station.
The 39-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (between indictable and commercial quantity), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm and resist officer in execution of duty.
The woman was charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
They were both refused bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court today (Monday 15 June 2020).
The 44-year-old man was charged with possess unregistered firearm, not keep firearm safely, possess unauthorised firearm and possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Wellington Local Court on Tuesday 21 July 2020.
A total of 38 people have now been charged as a result of investigations by Strike Force Pinnacle and Strike Force Laverick.
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
