NSW Police have arrested 24 people following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the state's Murray River region.
In June this year, officers attached to Murray River Police District established Strike Force Schaefer to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs – namely methylamphetamine (ice) and cocaine – in Albury and surrounding areas.
Following extensive investigations, officers attached to Southern Region Enforcement Squad – with assistance from Murray River and Riverina Police Districts and the Dog Unit – executed six search warrants at properties in the North Albury, West Albury and Lavington areas yesterday (Wednesday 8 December 2021).
In total during yesterday's operation, officers seized a sawn-off .22 calibre shotgun, a replica rifle, knuckle dusters, two electronic stun devices, $18,000 cash.
Officers also seized prohibited drugs – including 1.5kgs of cannabis, and methylamphetamine (ice) – as well as prescription medication.
Yesterday, police arrested and charged 13 people with drug-related offences.
- A 46-year-old man Albury man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug and breach of bail. He appeared at Albury Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Monday 13 December 2021.
- A 39-year-old North Albury woman was charged with 18 counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, possess prohibited drug, possess shortened firearm without authority, possess unregistered firearm, not keep firearm safely, and two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit. She was refused bail and is due to appear at Albury Local Court today (Thursday 9 December 2021).
- A 27-year-old Lavington man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug. He was refused bail to appear in Albury Local Court today.
- A 50-year-old Lavington man was charged with supply cannabis (indictable quantity), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, possess unauthorised firearm, possess unregistered firearm, and not keep firearm safe. He was refused bail to appear in Albury Local Court today.
- A 24-year-old West Albury man was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug and supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Albury Local Court tomorrow (Friday 10 December 2021).
- A 49-year-old Lavington man was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for possess prohibited drug.
- A 30-year-old North Albury woman was issued an CAN for possess prohibited drug.
- A 20-year-old North Albury woman was issued a CAN for two counts of possess prohibited drug.
- A 49-year-old Albury man was issued a CAN for two counts of take part supply prohibited drug.
- A 34-year-old Albury man was issued a CAN for take part supply prohibited drug and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
- A 26-year-old Albury man was issued a CAN for take part supply prohibited drug.
- A 36-year-old Lavington woman was issued a CAN for supply prohibited drug.
- A 46-year-old man was issued a CAN for take part supply prohibited drug.
All eight people issued Court Attendance Notices (CANs) are due to appear at Albury Local Court on Monday 17 January 2022.
As part of ongoing inquiries, officers arrested a further 11 people today (Thursday 9 December 2021), who are expected to be charged with drug-related offences.
In total, 24 people were arrested by Strike Force Schaefer investigators in the past two days.
The combined estimated potential street value of the prohibited drugs seized during the operation is more than $11,000.
Southern Region Operations Manager, Detective Superintendent Kevin McNeil, said the large-scale police operation was initiated after officers received information from members of community.
"Today's results are a testament to the hard work of investigators, who acted diligently on information provided by the community," Det Supt McNeil said.
"This goes to show that police take all reports from the community seriously and follow up every lead we are given to ensure the safety and security of the public.
"We encourage anyone with information about suspicious activity happening in their local area to contact police so we can help disrupt crime and remove any harmful substances from our streets," Det Supt McNeil said.
Inquiries under Strike Force Schaefer are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
