Seven men and two women have been charged with 290 offences following an investigation into the distribution of prohibited drugs on the Central Coast.
In October 2018, investigators attached to Tuggerah lakes Drug and Anti-Theft Unit established Strike Force Lamprey to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs.
Following ongoing inquiries, about 7.30am yesterday (Thursday 10 January 2019), police executed six search warrants simultaneously at properties in Long Jetty, The Entrance, Holgate, Wamberal, and Bateau Bay.
A number of items were seized including drugs, drug paraphernalia, mobile phones, prescription medication, and more than $50,000 cash.
A 42-year-old man was arrested at a home in McLachlan Avenue, Long Jetty.
A 21-year-old woman was arrested at a unit in The Entrance Road, The Entrance.
They were both taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (small quantity) (x19) and possess prohibited drug.
A 54-year-old man was arrested at a unit in McLachlan Avenue, Long Jetty. He was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with supply cannabis (indictable quantity), and possess prohibited drug (x2).
A 41-year-old man was arrested at a home in Tall Timbers Road, Wamberal. He was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with 47 drug supply offences.
Three men – aged 27, 34 and 64 – and a 60-year-old woman were all arrested at a home in Morley Avenue, Bateau Bay.
The 64-year-old man was charged with 159 drug offences, including 154 counts of supply prohibited drug.
The 27-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (x19) and knowingly participate in criminal group.
The 34-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (x8), possess prohibited drug (x3) and knowingly participate in criminal group.
The seven men and 21-year-old woman were all refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court today (Friday 11 January 2019).
The 60-year-old woman was charged with supply prohibited drug (x3) and knowingly participate in criminal group.
She was refused bail and appeared at Wyong Local Court yesterday (Thursday 10 January 2019).
A 37-year-old man was arrested at a home in Milina Road, Holgate.
He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, enhanced hydroponic cultivation of cannabis (commercial quantity), and dealing with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court today (Friday 11 January 2019).
Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander, Superintendent John Gralton APM, said Strike Force Lamprey's outcome is the result of a dedicated joint operation.
"The results demonstrate our commitment to investigate drug supply and put offenders before the court," Superintendent Gralton said.
"Strike Force Lamprey is the result of Tuggerah Lakes police coordinating with officers from Brisbane Water Police District and the State Crime Command Drug and Firearm Squad, and I thank all involved for their assistance.
"We will continue to investigate, prevent and punish those involved in drug supply and other criminal activity," Superintendent Gralton said.
Anyone with information who can assist Strike Force Lamprey investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
