Two people have been charged following an extensive investigation into alleged break and enter incidents in Pokolbin.
In recent months, several property offences have been reported at wineries and businesses in the Pokolbin area.
During the incidents, bottles of alcohol, electronics, jewellery, crystals, and gemstones were allegedly stolen.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the incidents under Operation Ferment.
About 2pm on Tuesday 10 March 2026, police executed a search warrant at a home on Michael Street, Cessnock.
During the search, police allegedly located and seized several items of interest including crystals and five MDMA tablets.
A 32-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
There she was charged with six offences,
- Four counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (value less than or equal to $60,000)
- Possess MDMA in another form not exceed small quantity, and
- Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle).
She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Wednesday 11 March 2026, where she was formally refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 2 April 2026.
About 11am yesterday (Thursday 12 March 2026), police executed a search warrant at a home on Fleming Street, Nulkaba.
During the search, police allegedly located approximately 4.48g of a crystal substance in clear resealable bags.
A 31-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (value less than or equal to $60,000), and possess prohibited drug.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Friday 13 March 2026), where he was granted conditional bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 9 April 2026.
Inquiries into the incidents are continuing under Operation Ferment.
