Three men have been arrested following an investigation into the supply of firearms and drugs in the Newcastle region.
In May 2020, detectives from Newcastle City Police District and the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Bassy to investigate the supply of methamphetamine and firearms in Newcastle.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators and Newcastle City detectives – with the assistance of officers attached to Operation Utah – executed five search warrants in New Lambton, Mayfield, Hamilton and Sandgate from about 8.30am yesterday (Wednesday 10 June 2020).
During the search warrants, police seized almost $30,000 cash, cannabis, LSD, MDMA, prescription medication, a laptop, mobile phones and other items.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at a home on Turton Road, New Lambton, and was taken to Waratah Police Station. He was charged with possess unauthorised firearm and deal with the proceeds of crime.
A 49-year-old man was arrested at a unit on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, and was taken to Waratah Police Station. He was charged with possess unauthorised firearm and deal with the proceeds of crime.
A 49-year-old man was arrested at a unit on Carrington Street, Mayfield, and was taken to Newcastle Police Station. He was charged with supply prohibited drug.
All three were refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 11 June 2020).
Newcastle City Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Brett Greentree, said this is a fantastic example of a joint operation between local police and State Crime Command.
“The collaborative effort between our detectives and the Drugs and Firearm Squad has been exceptional – working together to remove a large number of drugs and firearms off the streets.
“These arrests will dismantle some of the local supply chains throughout the Newcastle area.
“Newcastle City officers will continue to target those offenders who are determined to disrupt our community,” Det Supt Greentree said.
Investigations into Strike Force Bassy are continuing with more arrests expected.
