Three men have been charged over their alleged involvement in the distribution of prohibited drugs in the state's Murrumbidgee region.
Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District's Proactive Crime Team established Strike Force Apperly in January this year to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in the Leeton area.
Following extensive inquiries, local police – with assistance from the Operational Support Group (OSG) – executed three search warrants at homes in Railway Avenue and Wallowa Street, Leeton, and Purdon Street, Whitton, from about 9am yesterday (Tuesday 18 April 2023).
Police located and seized methylamphetamine, cannabis, MDMA, an electronic stun device, an extendable baton, fireworks, OMCG clothing, more than $12,000 in cash, and paraphernalia consistent with the alleged distribution of methylamphetamine.
During the searches, three men aged 49, 50 and 71, were arrested and taken to Leeton Police Station.
The 49-year-old man was charged with 12 offences,
- Supply prohibited drug (six counts)
- Owner/occupier knowingly allow use drug premises – second offence – serious indictable offence
- Possess prohibited drug (three counts)
- Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle), and
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime – serious indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear before Griffith Local Court on Thursday 6 July 2023.
The 50-year-old man was charged with six offences,
- Supply prohibited drug
- Possess prohibited drug
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (two counts)
- Recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, and
- Carry, use or possess explosive, flare or firework.
He was refused bail to appear in Griffith Local Court today (Wednesday 19 April 2023).
The 71-year-old man was charged with one count of take part supply prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Leeton Local Court on Tuesday 9 May 2023.
Investigations under Strike Force Apperly continue.
Anyone who information who may assist Strike Force Apperly investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
