Three men have faced court charged following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the Lake Macquarie region.
In August 2023, officers attached to the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) established Strike Force Garafalo to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions.
Following inquiries, investigators executed search warrants at homes in Lake Macquarie and Belmont North on Tuesday (20 February 2024).
At lake Macquarie, police seized a 'starters' pistol, cannabis, steroids and fireworks
At Belmont, police seized gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), methylamphetamine, gel-blaster pistols an air rifle and fireworks.
The occupants – three men, aged 33, 37, and 55 – were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.
The 33-year-old man was charged with 59 offences including two counts of supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity, four counts of supply prohibited drug - commercial quantity, 16 counts of supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, 29 counts of supply prohibited drug, organises/conducts/assists drug premises, possess unregistered firearm-not pistol/prohibited firearm, two counts of possess unauthorised pistol, firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order, Possess, supply or make explosive for unlawful purpose, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and deal with property proceeds of crime
The 37-year-old man was charged with two counts of take part supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity and participate criminal group contribute criminal.
The 55-year- old man was charged with 34 offences including two counts of supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, 28 counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and possess unauthorised firearm.
They all appeared at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday (21 February 2024) and were formally refused bail.
The 33-year-old man is next due to appear at the same court on Wednesday 17 April 2024 and the 55-year-old man on Wednesday 6 March 2024.
The 37-year-old man is next due to appear Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
