Matthew Lincoln refused bail after Strike Force Nitrogen drug supply arrests

An Illawarra man was caught allegedly trying to buy 35kg worth of methylamphetamine in southwest Sydney, and is accused of supplying the drug across the region.

An Illawarra man has been refused bail after he was allegedly caught purchasing $11,000 worth of methylamphetamine in a southwest Sydney CBD.

Matthew Lincoln, 44, was arrested on Tuesday during an alleged drug deal at Beverley St, Campbelltown, where he allegedly purchased the drugs off a 37-year-old man.

Officers attached to Wollongong Police District established Strike Force Nitrogen to investigate the alleged commercial supply of methylamphetamine in the Wollongong and Lake Illawarra areas in August.

Inquiries led police to the alleged drug deal at Campbelltown about 1.45pm Tuesday with the help of the Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad, where Mr Lincoln and a 37-year-old were arrested.

Matthew Lincoln, 44. Picture: Facebook

A search warrant was executed at Mr Lincoln’s Balgownie home Tuesday afternoon, where officers seized cannabis and ammunition.

Police allege the 44-year-old purchased 35g of methylamphetamine from the younger man for $11,000.

It is further alleged Mr Lincoln travelled to Campbelltown from his home daily to purchase the drugs and distribute them across the Illawarra.

Mr Lincoln was taken to Campbelltown Police Station and charged with 60 offences including supply prohibited drug greater than a large commercial quantity, ongoing supply of prohibited drug, operate drug premises, participate in a criminal group contribute to criminal activity and deal with property proceeds of crime.

Documents tendered to court allege he allegedly supplied methylamphetamine and cannabis multiple times between July 7 and his arrest, using his Balgownie home as a “drug premises”.

According to court documents Mr Lincoln allegedly supplied methylamphetamine and cannabis five times on August 25 at Fairy Meadow, Balgownie and Corrimal, and another four times the following day at Tarrawanna, Bulli and Appin.

Matthew Lincoln appeared via AVL at Campbelltown Local Court. Picture: AAP Image / Angelo Velardo

He also allegedly travelled as far as Nowra on August 28 to supply methylamphetamine, according to court documents.

Court documents state Mr Lincoln allegedly supplied prohibited drugs for a period of 30 consecutive days on three or more occasions for a financial or material reward, supplying a total of 518g of methylamphetamine.

The 44-year-old appeared at Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday via AVL from Amber Laurel dressed in high-vis workwear where his defence solicitor Sam Karnib applied for bail.

Mr Karnib argued for bail to be granted, citing a delay in court proceedings as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He told the court the alleged matters against Mr Lincoln had risen from police intercepting phone conversations.

“None of the investigations prove beyond reasonable doubt the applicant is the person behind the phone,” Mr Karnib argued.

A police prosecutor opposed bail, telling the court Mr Lincoln is likely to face a full-time custodial sentence if found guilty.

Magistrate David Degnan said there had been a “number of drug supplies over a period of time” with very strong telephone intercept evidence.

“These are matters where it is alleged the defendant was prepared to supply drugs and did not acknowledge the public health orders at the time,” Magistrate Degnan said.

Magistrate Degnan refused bail and adjourned the matter to November 24.

Mr Lincoln sat shocked in the AVL room, exclaiming he “didn’t do anything” when he was told he would be staying in custody.

The 37-year-old Campbelltown man was charged with supply prohibited drug greater than large commercial quantity and refused bail, due to appear in court on November 24.

Investigations under Strike Force Nitrogen continue; further arrests are expected.