An investigation into an alleged drug supply syndicate in the Manning saw the arrests of six people at properties in Taree, Old Bar and the Sydney suburb of Hebersham.
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In July 2018, investigators attached to Manning Great Lakes Police District Special Operations Team began inquiries into the supply of methylamphetamine in the Taree area.
Just before 10am on Wednesday, November 7, Manning Great Lakes Police District officers, with assistance from Mid North Coast Police District, executed search warrants at two homes in Taree and a property at Old Bar.
Police located and seized methylamphetamine, cash, an electronic stun device and OC spray.
Two women, aged 33 and 50, and three men, aged 35, 44 and 53, were arrested and taken to Forster Police Station.
The older woman, who was arrested at Old Bar, was charged with supplying a prohibited drug (commercial quantity), cultivating a prohibited plant and contributing to criminal activity with a criminal group.
The younger woman, who was arrested at Taree, was charged with three counts of supplying a prohibited drug (indictable quantity) and contributing to criminal activity with a criminal group.
Police located and seized methylamphetamine, cash, an electronic stun device and OC spray.
The 53-year-old man, who was arrested at Old Bar, was charged with supplying a prohibited drug (commercial quantity), cultivating a prohibited plant, three counts of possessing a prohibited drug and contributing to criminal activity with a criminal group.
The 44-year-old man, who was arrested at Taree, was charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug (indictable quantity).
The 35-year-old man, who was arrested at Taree, was charged with four counts of supplying a prohibited drug (small quantity), two counts of supplying a prohibited drug (indictable quantity), supplying a prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, deal with property proceeds of crime and possession or use of a prohibited weapon without a permit.
They were all refused bail to appear at Forster Local Court on Thursday, November 8.
Following further inquiries, a search warrant was executed at a unit in the Sydney suburb of Hebersham at about 1.30pm on November 7.
During a search of the unit, police located 11 cannabis plants and hydroponic equipment.
A 52-year-old man was arrested at the unit and was taken to Riverstone Police Station.
He was charged with supplying a prohibited drug (commercial quantity), cultivating a prohibited plant, possessing a prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime.
The man was refused bail and appeared in Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday, November 7.
He was refused bail again to reappear in court on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
Manning Great Lakes Police District Commander Superintendent Shane Cribb said the arrests are the culmination of several months of dedicated investigative work by officers.
“The results of this operation are a testament to the work of officers and part of our continued effort to target the drug supply chain.
“We see the devastating impact drugs have in our community and we will continue to work closely with other police districts to dismantle drug syndicates.
“At this stage we’re confident we’ve got everyone we want. There’s still a number of investigations taking place in relation to this matter,” Supt Cribb said.
Supt Cribb said the supply of prohibited drugs is a community issue.
“It’s something that we do not tolerate and we will continue to conduct those investigations into those people in the community who think they can make a living out of supplying prohibited drugs,” Supt Cribb said. “It’s only a matter of time before we knock on your door.”