PLEASE NOTE: Vision and images will be available later today
The strike force is pronounced Vandehei (van-der-hi)
Seven people have been charged and an alleged dial-a-dealer drug syndicate dismantled, as part of an ongoing drug operation in the Riverina.
In February 2025, officers attached to Southern Region Enforcement Squad established Strike Force Vandehei-Wilkinson to investigate the alleged supply of illicit drugs.
About 12pm yesterday (Tuesday 17 June 2025), officers attached to Southern Region Enforcement Squad, with assistance from Southern Region Operations Support Group and the NSW Dog Unit, arrested a 38-year-old man in Townsend Street, South Albury. Police searched the car and seized 300 blue pills, believed to be MDMA, and $430 cash. He was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug greater than or equal to commercial quantity, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, and possess prohibited drug. He was refused bail to appear in Albury Local Court today (Wednesday 18 June 2025).
Following the arrest, multiple search warrants were executed across the Riverina Police District by officers attached to the Southern Region Enforcement Squad, with assistance from the Southern Operations Support Group, NSW Dog Unit and officers attached to the Riverina Police District.
A search warrant was executed at a home in Kooringal. Police seized drugs seized from the home. A 20-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged with 10 offences - supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, six counts of supply prohibited drug greater than small & less than or equal to indictable quantity, two counts of supply prohibited drug greater than indictable & less than commercial quantity and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime less than or equal to $5000. Police will allege in court he was involved in the supply of cocaine and MDMA. He was refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 17 June 2025).
A search warrant was executed at a unit in Wagga Wagga. There police seized cocaine, prescription medication, cannabis, cash, MDMA pills and electronic devices. A 20-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged with 15 offences – two counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, seven counts of supply prohibited drug greater than small & less than or equal to indictable quantity, four counts of supply prohibited drug greater than indictable & less than commercial quantity, take part supply prohibited drug greater than or equal to commercial quantity, and possess prohibited drug. He was refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 18 June 2025).
A search warrant was executed at a home in Kooringal. MDMA, cocaine, cash and electronic devices was seized from the home, A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged with supply prohibited drug greater than small and less than or equal to indictable. He was refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 18 June 2025).
A search warrant was executed at a home in Lake Albert. Police seized $39,500 cash and cocaine. He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug greater than small & less than or equal to indictable. He was refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday 18 June 2025).
A search warrant was executed at a home in Turvey Park where 'magic mushrooms' and cocaine were seized. A 29-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station. He was charged with supply prohibited drug greater than indictable and less than or equal to small quantity. He was granted conditional bail appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday 20 August 2025.
A search warrant was executed at a home in Gobbagombalin where electronic devices and clothing were seized. A 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug less than or equal to small quantity. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday 20 August 2025.
Southern Operations Commander Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said the community can be assured the operation is far from over.
"Yesterday's arrests have put a significant dent in the drug supply network in the Riverina, with a number of alleged dealers now before the courts. We will allege they were supplying a significant amount of drugs mainly cocaine and MDMA, over several months in and around Wagga Wagga," Detective Superintendent Beattie said.
"We anticipate there will be more arrests and are urging individuals to think about the consequences of their actions.
"Involvement in drug supply and illegal activities not only endangers your life but also the lives of others."
Strike Force Vandehei-Wilkinson continues.
