Police have charged three people with drug supply offences operating in the states north.
Strike Force SASSAFRA is an operation by officers attached to Barwon Local Area Command targeting the ongoing supply of illicit drugs in the Moree region.
Following lengthy investigations over the last nine months, local detectives, with assistance from specialist resources executed nine search warrants at homes in Ashley and Moree.
During the searches, police seized large sums of cash, electronic devices, firearms, drugs and drug paraphernalia.
A boat and trailer, a trail bike, quad bike, ride-on lawn mower and a motorbike were also seized and are believed to be proceeds of crime.
Five motor vehicles have been seized, alleged to have been used in the supply of drugs through the area.
On Tuesday 17 January 2017, police executed search warrants at seven homes in Ashley, 18 kilometres north of Moree, and arrested two men aged 34 and 23.
A 34-year-old local man was charged with ongoing supply of a prohibited drug (commercial quantity) and participate in criminal group.
A 23-year-old local man was charged with ongoing supply of a prohibited drug and participate in criminal group.
The two men appeared at Warialda Local Court today and were bail refused to appear at Moree Local Court on Wednesday 25 January 2017.
today, two additional search warrants were executed at homes in Moree resulting in the further seizure of drugs, a vehicle and other property alleged to be have been used in the supply of prohibited drugs.
A 24-year-old local man was arrested during one search warrant today and has been charged with ongoing supply of prohibited drug and participate in criminal group.
He has been bail refused to appear at Moree Local Court on Tuesday 21 March 2017.
Over the nine month investigation Barwon Local Area Command investigators have seized over 300 grams of methyl amphetamine, commonly known as 'ICE’, which equates to about 3000 street deals of the drug, with an estimated street value of between $500,000 to a $1,000,000. Also seized during the investigation has been over 500 grams of cannabis.
Barwon Local Area Commander Paul McDonald said this operation has targeted individuals preying on the community.
"Detectives attached to Strike Force SASSAFRA have been working tirelessly over the past nine months to bring to resolution one of the largest operations seen in Western Region for some time," he said.
"The severity of the charges levelled against these offenders is above anything seen in Barwon Local Area Command before."
"I cannot adequately express my pride and admiration for the officers involved in this investigation. They should all be extremely proud of the work they have done for this community."
"The resulting impact should not be underestimated... and we are not done yet," Commander McDonald said
If you have any information into the supply of drugs in your community, please contact Crime Stoppers.
