Police have arrested 11 people today as they continue a major investigation into the distribution of prohibited drugs across the state, NSW Police say.
Officers from Central West Police District formed Strike Force Foment in June 2017 to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the state’s west.
About 7am today (Thursday 22 March 2018), police executed search warrants at six properties in Parkes, Forbes and Bogan Gate.
Officers seized several items, including 80kg of cannabis, 380g of methylamphetamine ‘ice’, 70g of MDMA, cocaine and ecstasy pills, cash, and firearms.
Four men were arrested and taken to Parkes Police Station and one man arrested and taken to Forbes Police Station as police continue with their inquiries.
Acting on information from the Central West Police District, Lake Illawarra Police District formed Strike Force Hulbert to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs in the Illawarra.
So far, the Illawarra-based investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than 100kg of cannabis, 168g of methylamphetamine, 75g of MDMA and 83g of cocaine.
About 8.40am today, police executed seven search warrants in Primbee, Unanderra, Flinders, Lake Illawarra and Port Kembla.
Police arrested six men, aged between 23 and 53, and they were taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
During the search warrants, officers seized large quantities of cash, firearms and drugs.
Two men, aged 39 and 42, have already been charged during that investigation and remain before the courts.
Central West Commander Superintendent Chris Taylor praised the work of officers across both police districts.
"These arrests are a testament to our priority to target the drug supply chain," he said.
"We will continue to work closely with other police districts and all regional enforcement squads to dismantle drug operations."
Lake Illawarra Commander Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said these arrests should send a strong message.
"We have seen the devastating impact drugs have had across the state and it has strengthened our resolve in removing this scourge in our communities," he said.
"To all those who might be involved in the distribution of prohibited drugs, it’s only a matter of time before we catch up with you."
The investigation continues.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to the supply of drugs to call Crime Stoppers.
