Five people have been arrested as part of investigations into an alleged drug supply operation in the state's Central North yesterday.
In February 2020, detectives from Central North Police District established Strike Force Quarrang to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Bourke area.
Following extensive investigations, strike force officers, assisted by the Central North Police District Proactive Crime Team and the Rural Crime Prevention Team, executed four search warrants at homes throughout Bourke shortly after 8am yesterday (Wednesday 8 April 2020).
The operation was also supported by the Western Child Abuse Unit, the Western Regional Enforcement Squad and the Dog Unit.
Officers located and seized cannabis, drug paraphernalia, methylamphetamine and unauthorised prescription drugs at a home on Anson Street. A 41-year old woman was arrested and taken to Bourke Police Station.
She was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug, possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs and organises/conducts/assists drug premises.
A 50-year-old man that resides at the Anson Street address was also arrested in Dubbo and taken to Dubbo Police Station and was charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises.
A 26-year old man was arrested at a home on Meadows Road and taken to Bourke Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises.
Officers executed another search warrant on Tarcoon Street, locating and seizing cash, electronic control device and property alleged to be stolen.
The 33-year-old man was charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises, possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
During a search of a home on Tudor Street, officers located and seized drug paraphernalia and cash. A 50-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Bourke Police Station.
She was charged with three counts of Supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises and deal with property proceeds of crime.
All were bail refused to appear at Dubbo Local Court today (Thursday 9 April 2020).
Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Andrew Hurst said the arrests are the result of an outstanding investigation by the Proactive Crime Team and Criminal Investigators based in Bourke.
"We have listened to the concerns of the community regarding the supply of prohibited drugs and taken strong action by charging numerous community members with serious criminal offences," Supt Hurst said.
"I acknowledge the assistance that the local community has provided with supplying information that has led to these arrests today.
Investigations have not finished, rather this is the start of an ongoing campaign against drug suppliers in the Bourke community. Numerous other houses in Bourke are the focus of drug supply investigations and we hope to execute further search warrants and make additional arrests shortly", he said.
If you suspect a person in your community is supplying prohibited drugs, contact your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Investigators welcome information from the community regarding the description of vehicles used to courier drugs, the identity of people who are suspected of supplying drugs and the names of those people who are suspected of buying drugs.
Inquiries continue and further arrests are expected to be made.
