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Three more arrests in Tamworth, Dubbo and Sydney after wake of ‘ice castle’ raids

Two men and a woman have been arrested in the wake of Tamworth’s ice castle raids — taking the total number of people charged related to the alleged illicit drugs and firearms network to 11.

Tamworth “ice castle” dismantled

In the wake of Tamworth’s ‘ice castle’ raids, detectives from Strike Force Radius, about 12.40pm on Tuesday, arrested a 34-year-old man on Hastings Court, Dubbo.

About 40 minutes later, a 40-year-old man on Anthony Rd, Tamworth.

At 4.45pm on Tuesday police then arrested a 29-year-old woman in Fairfield.

A man arrested during the original raid on Tamworth’s ‘ice castle’. Picture: NSW Police
A man arrested during the original raid on Tamworth’s ‘ice castle’. Picture: NSW Police

The 34-year-old man was charged with drug supply and was refused bail. He will appear in front of Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old man was charged with conspiracy to supply a prohibited firearm and also refused bail. He will appear at Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday.

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The woman was charged with five offences including three relating to supplying methylamphetamine, one of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and one of participating in a criminal gang.

She was refused bail and is due to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Wednesday.

Strike Force Radius’ inquiries are continuing.

ICE CASTLE RAIDS: DAY 1 AND 2

A Tamworth unit allegedly used as a base to supply drugs to the NSW central coast and Melbourne — known as the “ice castle” — has been shut down.

Heavily armed police raided properties on Wednesday and Thursday, arresting nine people following a 10-month investigation.

Thursday’s raids.
Thursday’s raids.
Thursday raids.
Thursday raids.
Two women and a man were arrested on Thursday morning in the New England region.
Two women and a man were arrested on Thursday morning in the New England region.

During the searches, officers seized two replica guns, ammunition, mobile phones, jewellery, cash and a NSW Police Force jacket, among other property.

A 49-year-old man has been charged with 44 offences, including drugs and weapons offences.

He and a woman, 49, allegedly helped supply more than 1.5kg of the ice, along with heroin, fentanyl patches and cannabis leaf.

Police have dismantled an alleged drug syndicate and charged five people. Picture: NSW Police
Police have dismantled an alleged drug syndicate and charged five people. Picture: NSW Police
Inside the property during the police raid. Picture: NSW Police
Inside the property during the police raid. Picture: NSW Police
Police arrest a man in the rear of the home. Picture: NSW Police
Police arrest a man in the rear of the home. Picture: NSW Police

When raiding the “ice castle” officers passed a poster in the house which had the words “dream big” on the wall.

Three other people were later arrested on Wednesday.

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The group of people were sprung while still wearing their pyjamas, with police leading them to the paddy wagons in ugg boots and sports jerseys.

Police have laid more than 100 charges against the eight people arrested.

Following the raids on Wednesday, police backed up their efforts, searching three homes across Tamworth on Thursday morning.

Police executed two search warrants at homes in Tamworth on Wednesday. Picture: NSW Police
Police executed two search warrants at homes in Tamworth on Wednesday. Picture: NSW Police
In August 2018, detectives from Oxley Police District established Strike Force Radius, with assistance from the Target Action Group and Crime Management Unit, to investigate the supply of illicit drugs and firearms in Tamworth. Picture: NSW Police
In August 2018, detectives from Oxley Police District established Strike Force Radius, with assistance from the Target Action Group and Crime Management Unit, to investigate the supply of illicit drugs and firearms in Tamworth. Picture: NSW Police
Police question a woman at the property. Picture: NSW Police
Police question a woman at the property. Picture: NSW Police

They arrested two women, aged 54 and 40, at separate homes just after 6.30am.

Shortly after they arrested a 30-year-old man at a home nearby.

All three were charged with drug supply offences and knowingly participate in a criminal organisation.

Police last night said that nine people had been charged to date as part of the investigation.

Investigations continue.

Police seized weapons. Picture: NSW Police
Police seized weapons. Picture: NSW Police
Police arrest a man at the scene. Picture: NSW Police
Police arrest a man at the scene. Picture: NSW Police
Police have dismantled an alleged drug syndicate and charged five people. Picture: NSW Police
Police have dismantled an alleged drug syndicate and charged five people. Picture: NSW Police
The arrests came after investigations into the supply of methylamphetamine and illegal firearms in the state’s New England region. Picture: NSW Police
The arrests came after investigations into the supply of methylamphetamine and illegal firearms in the state’s New England region. Picture: NSW Police

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/tamworth-unit-known-as-the-ice-castle-dismantled-five-arrested-after-major-drug-raid/news-story/a861780b1a32a40fd58eac9fa30bfc40