News Alert: Drug Supply and Pursuit Offences Lead to Multiple Arrests in Hunter Region
Raptor Squad North detectives and Highway Patrol officers have apprehended three individuals on charges related to drug supply and police pursuit offences in the Hunter Region of the state.
The investigation into prohibited drug supply and firearm offences in the northern part of the state was initiated earlier this year by diligent detectives.
Yesterday, at approximately 9:20 am on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Kurri Kurri, yielding significant results.
During the search, law enforcement discovered approximately 400 grams of methylamphetamine, bupromorphene strips, a substantial sum of $6,515 in cash, and various items indicative of drug supply.
These seized items will undergo further forensic examination to support the investigation.
As a result of the operation, two women aged 28 and 23 were arrested at the Kurri Kurri property.
Meanwhile, authorities attempted to engage with a 24-year-old man on Groves Road in Bennetts Green. However, he chose to evade police and fled the scene in a vehicle.
The man led officers on two short pursuits in the Lake Macquarie area, which were subsequently terminated due to safety concerns.
Law enforcement later located the suspect’s abandoned vehicle outside a residence in Edgeworth. With the assistance of specialist units including the Tactical Operations Unit, PolAir, and the Police Dog Squad, a perimeter was established. The man was apprehended at a nearby residence.
A subsequent crime scene warrant was executed at the address, resulting in the seizure of knuckle dusters and a small quantity of suspected prohibited drugs, which will undergo forensic examination.
In another development, detectives proceeded to a storage unit complex in Wallsend. A search warrant was executed, leading to the confiscation of several allegedly stolen number plates and a mobile phone sim card.
The 24-year-old male suspect was transported to Toronto Police Station, where he faces multiple charges, including two counts of dealing with property proceeds of crime, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity, and large-scale commercial prohibited drug supply. Additionally, he is charged with 12 offences related to the police pursuits, such as exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h and driving recklessly, furiously, or in a dangerous manner.
He has been denied bail and is scheduled to appear before Toronto Local Court today, Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The two arrested women were taken to Cessnock Police Station. The 28-year-old woman is charged with supply of prohibited drugs, dealing with property proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group. The 23-year-old woman faces charges of supplying prohibited drugs, dealing with property proceeds of crime, participating in a criminal group, and possessing prohibited drugs.
Both women have been refused bail and are expected to appear before Cessnock Local Court today.
Raptor North continues its inquiries into the matter.