Police have dismantled a number of drug supply chains in the state’s south, following the arrests of 14 people earlier today (Tuesday 30 April 2013).
The arrests were made by officers attached to Strike Force Delicate, which was formed by Monaro Local Area Command in August 2012 to investigate the supply of illicit drugs in Queanbeyan and surrounding areas.
About 8.30am this morning, police executed search warrants at 17 different properties – 10 in Queanbeyan, five in the ACT, one in Goulburn and one in Cooma.
To date, 14 people have been arrested and taken to Queanbeyan Police Station where they will be charged with a variety of drug supply offences.
Over the course of the nine month investigation conducted by Strike Force Delicate, police have seized illicit drugs – including cannabis, methylamphetamine and heroin – with a street value in excess of $420,000. Firearms, ammunition and other weapons have also been seized.
The Acting Commander of the NSW Police Force’s Southern Region, Acting Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar, said police were committed to getting drugs off the street.
“Whether it’s in a capital city, a major regional centre or a small country town, we are committed to arresting drug dealers and getting their illegal and dangerous products off our streets,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
“I’d like to commend the excellent policing work of Strike Force Delicate. The determination, diligence and organisation displayed by the officers involved has been first class and the results, to date, have been excellent.”
The Acting Monaro Local Area Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Shane Box, said this morning’s arrests would be followed by more.
“We’re expecting to lock up more people in the coming days,” Detective Acting Superintendent Box said.
“Anyone who is involved or has been involved in drug supply in Queanbeyan, be warned – we are onto you.”
Detective Acting Superintendent Box added that the operations wouldn’t have been possible without the support of ACT Policing and other NSW Police Force Commands.
“Our colleagues over the border in the ACT, and our colleagues from other sections of the NSW Police Force, have played a critical role in this operation,” Detective Acting Superintendent Box said.
“I would like to thank them for their ongoing assistance and commitment. We look forward to working with them again on future operations targeting criminal activity in Queanbeyan, the ACT and nearby communities.”
Detective Superintendent Brett McCann from ACT Policing said his officers had executed five search warrants, and arrested a number of people, within the ACT.
“Four people have been taken into custody in the ACT today,” Detective Superintendent McCann said.
“We will allege these people have been involved in drug related criminal activity which is linked to activities in Queanbeyan.
“From the warrants in the ACT we have seized a quantity of cash and drugs, a .22 rifle and silencer, and ammunition. We are pleased with this result and in the outcome of this joint operation with NSW Police.”
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[Via ACT Policing. Image from ACT warrant seizures]