Five men have been charged as part of investigations into an alleged large-scale drug supply operation in the state's south west.
In April 2020, Strike Force Terraview was established by Murrumbidgee Police District to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs, namely cocaine, in the Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera area.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested five men over their alleged involvement in the supply of cocaine throughout the region.
The police operation began shortly after midday yesterday (Thursday 16 July 2020), with the arrest of a 24-year-old man during an alleged drug transaction on Kidman Way, Griffith.
The Narrandera man was taken to Griffith Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), six counts of supply prohibited drug and two counts of ongoing supply.
He was refused bail and is due to face Griffith Local Court today (Friday 17 July 2020).
Shortly after the arrest, Strike Force Terraview investigators executed two search warrants at homes in Griffith and Narrandera, during which a further four men – aged 19, 20, 26 and 27 were arrested. All of the men were taken to Griffith Police Station.
During the searches, police seized several items including cocaine, methylamphetamine, cannabis, cash, firearms and imitation firearms. These items will undergo forensic analysis.
A 20-year-old Hanwood man was charged with five counts of supply prohibited drug.
A 27-year-old Leeton man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug.
The pair was refused bail and are due to appear before Griffith Local Court today (Friday 17 July 2020).
A 19-year-old Leeton man was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail and is due to face Leeton Local Court on Tuesday 21 July 2020.
A 26-year-old Griffith man was charged with four counts of possess prohibited firearm, four counts of not keep firearm safely and possess prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail and is due to face Griffith Local Court on Wednesday 26 August 2020.
Murrumbidgee Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Eugene Stek, said the arrests are the culmination of excellent work by local police.
"The hard work and dedication of our officers has led to the arrest of five people for drug offences," Det Insp Stek said.
""The supply of drugs in regional towns has a major impact on the community, and it simply won't be tolerated.
"We will continue to target those engaging in the supply of illegal drugs, and rest assured anyone who engages in these activities will face the full brunt of the law.
"If anyone in the community has any information about the supply of illegal drugs, I would like to urge them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or local police," Det Insp Stek said.
Inquiries are continuing.
