Detectives have charged two men and seized a loaded shotgun, five stolen motor vehicles, a poker machine and prohibited drugs as part of an ongoing investigation into the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine across NSW.
Earlier this year, detective from the Criminal Groups Squad's Strike Force Raptor North commenced an investigation into the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs, mainly methylamphetamine, across NSW.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with assistance from the Operations Support Groups (OSG) and Dog Unit, executed three search warrants at an industrial property at Tuggerah, and homes at Tumbi Umbi and Wadalba from 9.30am yesterday (Wednesday 29 April 2020).
During the search of the industrial property at Tuggerah, officers seized a loaded shotgun, ammunition, five stolen motor vehicles – including a BMW and two Commodores – a stolen vessel, and several stolen number plates.
During the search of the Wadalba home, officers seized $900 cash, fireworks, a poker machine, war medals, cannabis and MDMA.
Investigators also uncovered chemicals and equipment consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs at both locations, which were examined before being dismantled by the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team.
During the search of the Tumbi Umbi home, officers seized an amount of methylamphetamine, $3510 cash and electronic devices.
Investigators also seized a pen gun and ammunition during a search of a vehicle at the home.
All items seized will undergo forensic examination and inquiries into the war medals are continuing and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Two men – aged 39 and 58 – were arrested during the operation and taken to Wyong Police Station where the younger man was charged with possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.
The Tumbi Umbi man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on Wednesday 27 May 2020.
The older man was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, be in unauthorised possession of approved gaming machine, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and possess instructions for manufacture etc of prohibited drug.
The Wadalba man was refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court today (Thursday 30 April 2020).
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
