A man has been charged following an alleged pursuit and drug seizure in the state's north-east last week.
Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting random roadside testing about 11pm on Friday 22 May 2026, on Jewry Street, Tamworth, when a vehicle allegedly failed to comply with a police direction to stop.
The driver allegedly accelerated away, and a pursuit was initiated, during which police will allege the vehicle reached speeds of up to 175kmh.
The pursuit continued through residential and rural areas including Dampier Street, Gunnedah Road and Duri-Dungowan Road, before the vehicle allegedly suffered mechanical failure and came to a stop on the New England Highway.
Police arrested the driver – a 43-year-old man – and searched the vehicle, allegedly locating and seizing 67 grams of the drug 'ice' worth a potential estimated street value of $10,000, Oxycodone tablets, a laser point, mobile phones, weighing scales, and approximately $7445 in cash.
The vehicle was also seized for forensic examination.
The man was taken to Tamworth Police Station where he was subjected to an oral fluid test, which allegedly returned a positive result for methylamphetamines.
He was charged with,
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
- Supply prohibited drug greater than indictable and less than commercial quantity
- Possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance
- Recklessly deal with proceeds of crime greater than $5000
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
The man was refused bail and faced Bail Division Court 5 on Saturday 23 May 2026, where he was formally refused bail and reappeared at Tamworth Local Court yesterday (Monday 25 May 2026).
He was refused bail and is next due to appear before Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
