‘Blight on our society’: NSW Police Minister’s brother arrested on drug charges in Newcastle

The brother of a state police minister has been charged with a number of drug offences in Northern NSW overnight.

The brother of NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley was charged with several drug offences on Friday night.

According to NSW Police, a 62-year-old man was arrested in Newcastle about 10.30pm after a vehicle stop allegedly located quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis.

On Saturday, Minister Catley said she was informed of the charges by Police Commissioner Karen Webb after previously disclosing that a member of her family had addiction issues “for many years”.

“When I first became Minister for Police I disclosed this information to Commissioner Webb so she was fully informed of these circumstances in case it should ever become a policing issue,” she said.

Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley brother has been arrested by police. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“This morning the Commissioner called me to advise that this had indeed occurred overnight when my brother was arrested in Newcastle following a vehicle search.”

“He was charged with a number of offences. His case is now before the Courts and there is nothing more I can add.”

Ms Catley said illicit drug use and addiction are “blights on our society” and “the damage they can inflict on and within families is incalculable.”

“I know this from my personal family experience. A member of my family has struggled with drug addiction for many years.”

Police Commissioner Karen Webb informed Minister Catley. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

She said her brother had become distanced from members of her family “including me”.

“Drugs destroy relationships, even the closest family bonds.

“My heart goes out to every family that is afflicted by the devastating consequences of addiction.”

Ms Catley said drugs are a blight on society.: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Police were patrolling Jesmond, in Newcastle, at about 10:30pm, when they stopped a vehicle on Heaton Street and spoke to the driver – a 62-year-old man.

Officers allegedly found an amount of cash, 8.06g of methylamphetamine, and cannabis after searching the vehicle.

The items were seized and will be forensically examined.

The man was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug and three counts of possess prohibited drug.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday March 11.

Originally published as ‘Blight on our society’: NSW Police Minister’s brother arrested on drug charges in Newcastle