THREE CHARGED AND MORE ARRESTS EXPECTED AFTER MASSIVE DRUG BUST ACROSS NORTHERN NSW

Two men will face court today over the alleged supply and manufacture of a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine across Northern New South Wales.

In May, detectives established Strike Force Delisle to investigate the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs in the Coffs Coast and Hunter Valley regions.

Following extensive inquiries, on Friday August 14, a white Nissan ute was stopped on Waterfall Way at Ebor.

Police spoke with two men – aged 45 and 47 – before conducting a search of the vehicle, where they allegedly located methylamphetamine, ammunition and chemicals used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs.

The men were arrested and taken to Armidale Police Station.

The 45-year-old Murrurundi man was charged with manufacture a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, while the 47-year-old Billys Creek man was charged with manufacture and supply a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Armidale Local Court today.

At the same time, police executed a search warrant at a home at Murrurundi, where they located an inactive clandestine lab.

A crime scene was established and underwent a forensic examination.

Following further inquiries, on Saturday August 15, a 42-year-old Aberdeen man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station.

He was charged with manufacture a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.

He was formally refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday October 19.

On Thursday August 20, a search warrant was executed at two properties at Billys Creek, nort-west of Dorrigo.

During the searches, police located and seized glassware used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs and approximately 10 litres of chemicals believed to be either prohibited drugs or precursors used in their manufacture.

The liquids have been sent for further forensic analysis.

A kilogram of dried cannabis was also found.

Coffs/Clarence Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty, said these arrests will disrupt the local supply network of methylamphetamine across several regions.

“We will be alleging this illegal activity not only affected the Coffs Coast area, their connections also stemmed into our Hunter Valley and New England regions.

“Through fantastic collaborative work and information sharing with our neighbouring police districts, we have been able to interrupt a cross-region drug network of both manufacture and supply.

“Strike Force Delisle remains ongoing with further investigation and arrests expected,” Det Ch Insp Flaherty said.