Wellington drug syndicate: Murrey Ernest Bush pleads guilty

A man who peddled ice for the alleged kingpin of a drug syndicate in western NSW was exposed after making a delivery to an undercover cop.

A 37-year-old Wellington man who delivered drugs for an undercover cop at the site of an old Aboriginal mission has admitted he was part of a major criminal group which peddled ice into western NSW communities.

In court documents police said Murrey Ernest Bush came to their attention after an undercover officer who infiltrated the group was set to be sold 56 grams of methylamphetamine, also known as the drug ice, on December 13 in 2019.

Wellington man Murrey Bush leaves Dubbo Local Court after pleading guilty to drug supply and participation in a criminal group. Picture: Ryan Young

Police said one of Bush’s associates was at a cottage at Nanima Village, which was an inland Aboriginal mission and is Australia’s longest continually operating reserve, when he made a call to Bush’s phone.

The alleged kingpin of the group answered the phone and Bush later arrived at the cottage with 56 grams of ice.

While at the cottage Bush gave the ice to his associate, who sold it to the undercover cop.

Police said after the deal was done Bush went to the home of the alleged kingpin and six days later he was at it again.

A phone call between Bush and the alleged kingpin was listened to by police who became aware of another impending ice deal.

Police said after the call was made Bush supplied 3.5 grams of ice, also known as an “eight ball”, to an unknown male for $700.

Dubbo Local Court magistrate Gary Wilson adjourned Bush’s case. Picture: Jedd Manning

On May 27 last year Bush was arrested as part of a major Strike Force Pinnacle operation which dismantled the drug syndicate.

Shortly afterwards, in an interview with police, Bush made partial admissions about his involvement.

Bush said he was previously heavily involved in the Wellington drug scene and was familiar with certain typical weights and code words associated with prohibited drugs.

In Dubbo Local Court he pleaded guilty to one count of supply prohibited drug and one count of participate in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity.

At the request of Bush’s lawyer, magistrate Gary Wilson agreed a psychosocial report on Bush should be prepared before sentencing.

Bush is set to be sentenced in July.