Four men have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged commercial supply of cocaine in the state's Monaro Region.
In September last year, Strike Force Sulfur was established by officers from the Monaro Region Enforcement Squad (RES) to investigate drug supply in the Queanbeyan and Canberra areas.
Following investigations, strike force investigators – with assistance from local police attached to Monaro, South Coast and The Hume Police Districts, as well as Southern Region Operations – executed eight search warrants at homes in Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra and Franklin in the ACT from 9am yesterday (Tuesday 13 September 2022).
They were also assisted by the Dog Unit, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Canine and officers from ACT Policing.
During the search warrants, police located and seized cocaine, steroids, testosterone, restricted prescribed substances, electronic devices, prohibited weapons including a .22 calibre firearm, a replica pistol, knuckle dusters and flick knife, as well as OMCG paraphernalia and almost $70,000 in cash.
The items will undergo further examination.
Four men were arrested during the search warrants and taken to Queanbeyan Police Station.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at a home in Queanbeyan. He was charged with eight offences, including:
- Possess prohibited drug (two counts),
- Goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle) (two counts),
- Possess/attempt to, anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent (two counts),
- Supply prohibited drug – trafficable quantity, and,
- Owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises.
He was granted conditional bail to appear in Queanbeyan Local Court on Monday 10 October 2022.
A 27-year-old man was arrested at a home in, Queanbeyan and charged with 21 offences, including:
- Supply prohibited drug (four counts),
- Supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity – serious indictable offence (two counts),
- Supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis,
- Take part supply prohibited drug (four counts),
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime – serious indictable offence,
- Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity,
- Knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group (two counts),
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (two counts),
- Recklessly deal with proceeds of crime (two counts),
- Possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, and,
- Owner not disclose identity of driver/passenger.
A 25-year-old man was arrested at a home on O'Sullivan Road, Jerrabomberra. He was charged with nine offences, including:
- Supply prohibited drug,
- Take part supply prohibited drug,
- Supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity – serious indictable offence,
- Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity,
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime – serious indictable offence,
- Knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group,
- Possess/attempt to, anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent,
- Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and,
- Goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle).
A 33-year-old man was arrested at a home on O'Hanlon Street, Queanbeyan. He was charged with six offences, including:
- Take part supply prohibited drug (two counts),
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime – serious indictable offence,
- Supply prohibited drug (two counts), and,
- Possess prohibited drug.
The three men were refused bail to appear in Queanbeyan Local Court today (Wednesday 14 September 2022).
Anyone with information that could assist Strike Force Guard 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.
