PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF-branded footage of the Erina arrests and some of the items seized are available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/Adwwfo2Mtq
Police have charged 12 men following an investigation into an alleged drug supply network being run out of a licenced premises on the Central Coast under Strike Force Delphyne and Strike Force Tatiara.
Strike Force Tatiara was established by Tuggerah Lakes Police District – with the assistance of Brisbane Waters Police District – to investigate the on-going supply of prohibited drugs, including cannabis, cocaine and MDMA, by an organised criminal syndicate on the Central Coast.
Following initial inquiries by local police, an arm of the investigation was referred to State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad who commenced an investigation under Strike Force Delphyne into members of the syndicate allegedly using a licenced premises in Erina to launder the profits made through drugs.
Following extensive inquiries, about 2.30pm on Tuesday 13 February 2024, strike force detectives – with assistance from Tactical Operations Unit – arrested three men at a bar in Erina.
Two men, aged 30 and 35, were taken to Gosford and Wyong Police Stations, while the third man – aged 32 – was taken to hospital for minor injuries before also being taken to Gosford Police Station.
A short time later, a fourth man – aged 25 – was arrested at a nearby gym. He was taken to Gosford Police Station.
The 30-year-old man was charged with 12 drug supply offences and knowingly/recklessly directing a criminal group.
The 35-year-old was charged with four drug supply offences and participate in a criminal group. The 32-year-old was charged with two drug supply offences and participate in a criminal group. The 25-year-old was charged with supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity.
The four men were refused bail and appeared in Gosford Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 14 February 2024).
Subsequent search warrants – with assistance from officers attached to Northern Region and Raptor Squad – were then conducted at the Erina bar, as well as at addresses in Terrigal, Sunshine, North Avoca, Wyee and Buff Point.
At a Terrigal address, police arrested a 27-year-old man who was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with two drug supply offences and participate in a criminal group. He was refused bail and appeared before Gosford Local Court yesterday.
In Wyee, police arrested a 41-year-old man who was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with eleven drug supply offences and supply prohibited drug on and ongoing basis. The man was refused bail and appeared at Wyong Local Court yesterday.
At the warrant in North Avoca, strike force detectives arrested a 26-year-old man. He was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with 17 drug supply offences and participate in a criminal group. The man was refused bail and appeared before Gosford Local Court yesterday.
At Buff Point, police arrested a 53-year-old man who was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with nine drug supply offences and participating in a criminal group. The man was refused bail and appeared at Wyong Local Court yesterday.
During the searches of the properties, police located a firearm, ballistic vest, a safe, a car of interest, electronics, prohibited drugs and other items relevant to their investigations. All items were seized to undergo further forensic examination.
Just after 9.05am yesterday (Wednesday 14 February 2024), a 25-year-old man was arrested at Wyong Police Station and charged with two drug supply offences and participate in a criminal group. He was refused bail an appeared at Wyong Local Court that afternoon.
About 10.10am, strike force detectives arrested a 37-year-old man in Blackett. He was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged with take part supply cannabis >indictable &
At 12.20pm, a 24-year-old man was arrested at Gosford Police Station where he was charged with supply cannabis >indictable &
About 7pm yesterday, a 21-year-old man was arrested at Toukley Police Station where he was charged with 9 drug supply offences and knowingly direct activities of criminal group. The man was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court today.
Inquiries under Strike Force Delphyne and Strike Force Tatiara continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
