Police have arrested another five suspects and seized a cache of firearms as they continue to dismantle an alleged major syndicate behind the large-scale supply of drugs in Coffs Harbour and the New England region, NSW Police say.
The latest arrests today take the tally to 19 people apprehended at the culmination of a long-running investigation by the Coffs/Clarence and New England Police Districts, aided by specialist units including SF Raptor, the Operation Support Group (OSG) and northern Region Enforcement Squads (RES).
Officers from Strike Forces Fable (Coffs/Clarence PD) and Janian (New England PD) initially arrested 14 people this morning during dawn raids relating to the alleged transactions of prohibited drugs including ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis and steroids between drug networks in Coffs Harbour and Armidale.
Detectives have continued to execute search warrants at addresses in Coffs Harbour this afternoon.
Those arrested in the second phase of the operation are:
A 54-year-old Toormina man charged with six counts of supply indictable quantity prohibited drug, two counts of possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime.
A 23-year-old Toormina man charged with four counts of supply trafficable quantity prohibited drug, supply indictable quantity prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis and knowingly participate in a criminal group.
A 19-year-old Woolgoolga man charged with supply indictable quantity prohibited drug and knowingly participate in a criminal group.
A 19-year-old Coffs Harbour woman charged with supply indictable quantity prohibited drug.
A 25-year-old Coffs Harbour man charged with supply indictable quantity prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime.
They are expected to remain in custody until they can face the Coffs Harbour Local Court.
Late this morning, detectives executed a search warrant on a storage unit at Coffs Harbour, seizing five rifles, two shotguns, a pistol and ammunition.
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
