Police have charged a number of people, following a major operation in the State’s Riverina, targeting illicit criminal activity.
Between Tuesday 12 March 2024 and Thursday 14 March 2024, officers from State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad, with assistance from Traffic and Highway Patrol, Southern Regional Enforcement Squad and officers attached to Riverina Police District, conducted an operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised criminal networks.
Of note, about 11.30am on Wednesday 13 March 2024, officers attached to Riverina Police District with assistance from specialist officers executed a search warrant at a premises in Northcotte Parade, Mount Austin.
Police arrested a 33-year-old male and 40-year-old female at the scene.
They were conveyed to Wagga Wagga Police Station and both charged with take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm.
The man was refused bail and woman granted conditional bail. They will appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday 5 May 2024.
During the search warrant, officers found a 55-year old male inside with injuries, who they will allege was detained against his will.
Other notable results include;
– 6 Firearm Prohibition compliance (FPO) searches in Patamba Street, Kooringal, French Place, Glenfield Park, Boree Avenue, Forest Hill, Adams Street Ashmont, Hayes Street North Wagga Wagga and Giraween Mews, Glenfield Park.
– 3 people arrested and charged for outstanding warrants.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Riverina with assistance from Raptor Highway Patrol issued 13 traffic infringement notices, detected 1 positive random drug test, and issued two defect notices.
Commander of Riverina Police District Superintendent Andrew Spliet said this week’s operation sends a strong message to people involved in criminal activity in the Riverina.
“This two-day operation has put a substantial dent in criminal activity in the Riverina Police District,” Superintendent Spliet said.
“This isn’t the first, nor will it be the last major compliance operation involving specialist police, including the Raptor Squad officers, to bolster the great work being done locally within the Police District to crack down on illegal activity in our communities.”
Commander of State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad, Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said this deployment demonstrates the Command’s commitment to tackling regional crime.
“Residents in regional NSW can expect to see more of Raptor Squad as we continue to take on various deployments and operations.
“These deployments – as well as through our fully fledged Raptor North and Raptor South squads –means Raptor have far-reaching capabilities tackling crime across the state.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or . Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
