Leti Tugaga, Cameron Hooper: Trio charged over alleged drug supply after mechanic raided
A police raid on an Illawarra workshop allegedly uncovered almost half a kilo of meth - which has a street value of $80,000.
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Three men have been charged after an Illawarra mechanic was raided as part of an investigation into the supply of illicit drugs in the state’s south.
In August 2020, detectives from Lake Illawarra Police District started investigating the supply methylamphetamine in the area.
Investigators searched an automotive store on Military Road, Port Kembla, about 7.40pm on September 30.
During a search of the store, officers seized almost half a kilogram of methylamphetamine – which has an estimated street value of $80,000 – drug paraphernalia, a firearm and ammunition.
Following further inquiries, about 7.40am yesterday, Leti Tugaga was arrested during a vehicle stop on Broughton Street, Old Guildford, and taken to Fairfield Police Station.
He was charged with supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity, possess prohibited drug and participate in criminal group. He was refused bail and appeared at Wollongong Local Court, where he chose not to apply for bail.
About 8.45am yesterday, a 39-year-old man was arrested at a home on Shearwater Drive, Berkeley. He was charged with supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity, possess prohibited drug and participate in criminal group. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday, November 4.
Cameron Hooper, a third man, aged 27, was arrested at the automotive store he owns in Port Kembla about 8.55am.
He was charged with take part supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity, participate in criminal group, owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises, possess unauthorised pistol, possess unregistered firearm and possess ammunition without holding licence/permit.
He faced Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, where Magistrate Claire Girotto agreed to grant him bail, saying he played a “relatively minor role” in the alleged operation.
His defence lawyer Matt Ward argued while Hopper owned the mechanic, he had no knowledge of any alleged drug dealing.
“There’s a real possibility that Cameron Hooper is an innocent pawn and has been used,” he said.
“Just because we choose our friends poorly doesn’t make us, specifically, involved in the allegations before the court today.”
Magistrate Girotto said that at present, there was “no evidence he was involved” in any drug supply.
She granted Hooper bail, imposing a set of strict conditions.
The matters will return to court later this month.