Albury drug ring: 13 charged over alleged drug ring operating in southern NSW

Police have charged 13 people over their alleged involvement in drug supply operations across southern NSW after an early-morning raid.

Thirteen people have been arrested over involvement in an alleged drug ring operating in southern NSW.

Drugs, weapons, and cash have been seized during a raid on southern NSW homes as part of an investigation into an alleged drug ring operating in the region.

Police raided three homes in Narrandera and Wagga Wagga at 7am on Tuesday after an extensive Strike Force Belvidere investigation into criminal networks across Albury, Narrandera, Broken Hill, and Sydney.

Strike force officers arrested two men and two women on Tuesday over their alleged involvement in the supply of prohibited drugs throughout the region.

During the searches, officers allegedly seized drugs, a Mercedes sedan, weapons and cash.

A 39-year-old man and 38-year-old woman were arrested at a home in Ashmont and taken to Wagga Wagga police station.

The 39-year-old man was charged with six counts of taking part in the supply of prohibited drug, supplying prohibited drug, supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, and participating in criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 38-year-old woman was charged with supplying prohibited drug (commercial quantity), four counts of supply prohibited drug, taking part in the supply of prohibited drug, taking part in the supply of cannabis, participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity, and dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

A man and woman, both aged 27, were arrested at homes in Narrandera and taken to Narrandera police station, where they were both charged with taking part in supplying prohibited drugs.

In addition to Tuesday’s arrests, nine people — including six men and three women — have been arrested and charged by Strike Force Belvidere investigators since July.

Southern Region operations manager detective Superintendent Kevin McNeil said the arrests would have a major impact on drug supply throughout the region.

“These arrests are the culmination of excellent work by the Region Enforcement Squads and our local police during extremely trying times,” Supt McNeil said.

“Taking drug suppliers off our streets is another way we are continuing to tackle crime in our regional towns and communities.

“The supply of drugs in regional towns has a major impact on our community, and it simply won’t be tolerated.”

Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected to be made.