A man will appear before court today following an investigation into the supply of methylamphetamine in the state’s north-west.
In July 2019, officers attached to Central North Police District established Strike Force Bellereeve to investigate the street-level supply of methylamphetamine in Lightning Ridge.
About 10.35am yesterday (Wednesday 20 November 2019), investigators arrested a 31-year-old man at a business on Opal Street at Lightning Ridge.
Following the arrest, police executed a search warrant at the man’s residential mineral claim on the outskirts of the town.
Officers seized cannabis leaf, seeds and plants; methylamphetamine, mobile phones and digital scales.
The man was taken to Lightning Ridge Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug on ongoing basis, supply prohibited drug – above indictable quantity (x2), supply prohibited drug – above small/below indictable quantity, cultivate prohibited plant, possess prohibited drug (x2) and do act intending to pervert the course of justice.
The man was bail refused to appear before Walgett Local Court today (Thursday 21 November 2019).
Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Hurst, said this arrest was the culmination of an extensive investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the Lightning Ridge area.
“We have sent a message to the community that we will take action and respond to information about drug supply occurring in our communities,” he said.
“We need more information from across the Central North Police District; from Nyngan to Cobar and Bourke to Walgett – if you have information about drugs in your community, contact your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
