Southern Highlands: Catherine Ann Grainger accused drug ring leader

Six members of an alleged drug ring accused of supplying ice across the Southern Highlands - including one who claims to be ‘gender-challenged’ — have fronted court, with another dozen people in the sights of authorities.

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Six members of an alleged drug ring accused of supplying ice across the Southern Highlands have fronted court, with another dozen people in the sights of authorities.

Police allege the criminal group, which has up to 19 members, was directed by Mittagong’s Catherine Ann Grainger who co-ordinated the supply of ice and cannabis across Moss Vale, Mittagong and New Berrima from her Berrima Rd home.

Catherine Ann Grainger is accused of directing the alleged drug ring.

The 49-year-old woman, who was formally refused bail in Moss Vale Local Court on Wednesday, lived with fellow accused drug suppliers, chef Troy Leoni, 35 and “gender challenged” Lonnie Willis, 45, on the property. Both men also appeared in court.

Willis, charged with a single count of drug supply and participate in a criminal group, applied for bail which was knocked back by the magistrate.

Grainger has been charged with more than 50 drug related offences.

Lonnie Willis.

Appearing by audiovisual link, the 34-year-old made a last ditch plea for freedom by telling the court that he was “gender-challenged” and had “a problem with his sexuality”.

“I’m worried I will be raped or bashed (in jail),” he said. “I really don’t want to be there at the moment.”

Leoni, charged with five drug supply offences, was granted bail by consent and will remain living at the Berrima Rd home and report daily to police.

Troy Leoni.

Cuneo being led by police in handcuffs. Picture: NSW Police

Nathan Michael Duncan, 34, and Charlotte Cuneo, 24, who each lived at a Melbourne St, New Berrima address, which allegedly operated as a drughouse, also appeared before the court.

Cuneo was granted strict conditional bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution, which will see her move in to her mum’s Dee Why home and report daily to police.

On her release from police custody after close to 30 hours, the young woman bolted from waiting media.

Duncan, who did not apply for bail, is facing 26 charges in total for the supply of heroin, cannabis and ice.

Christoper O'Brien has been charged with a number of drug supply offences.

The sixth member of the alleged drug ring, Moss Vale’s Christopher O’Brien, also did not apply for bail as he stands accused of more than 30 drug-related charges.

The 33-year-old had allegedly agreed to supply the drug GBL, as well as dealing ice and cannabis across Moss Vale and New Berrima.

Nathan Michael Duncan was arrested at a New Berrima address. Picture: NSW Police

Police expect to make further arrests following the investigation, led by The Hume Police District.

“The supply of drugs in regional towns has a major impact on our community, and it simply won’t be tolerated,” crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Brendan Bernie said.

“We will continue to target those engaging in the supply of illegal drugs, and rest assured anyone who engages in these activities will face the full brunt of the law.

“The strike force activity in this area will have a major impact on the distribution of drugs in our region and crime trends across the Southern Highlands.”

The group will return to Moss Vale Local Court on May 6.