Seven firearms, more than $4.5 million worth of drugs and $150,000 in cash have been seized by police during an 11-day operation targeting organised criminal networks.
Police attended multiple properties over the two-week period, including a home near Grafton, at which they found “significant quantities of precursor chemicals and equipment consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs” and about a kilogram of cannabis.
A lab was dismantled and chemicals were seized by the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit.
Police also found two hydroponic cannabis grow labs and about 2.5kg of dried and packaged cannabis at a home in Carrara, where a 55-year-old was charged with a number of drug-related offences.
At another home, in Tweed Heads, police seized more than 130 grams of white powder they suspected to be cocaine, as well as cannabis, $18,000 cash and multiple electronic devices. A 53-year-old man was charged with multiple offences in relation to the raid.
A 27-year-old was also arrested and charged with multiple firearm offences at a separate property in Tweed Heads South, where police found and seized a loaded rifle and ammunition from the kitchen.
Officers also seized about $10,000 cash, luxury watches and electronic devices from a home in Ewingsdale, where a 44-year-old was served with a firearm prohibition order.
$150,000 in cash was seized by police.Credit: NSW Police
“We know criminal organisations were establishing themselves across the North Coast because of its lucrative drug market and a perceived idea the area is relatively free of scrutiny from law enforcement,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein said.
“I’m confident that following these two weeks that perception has changed – as we continue to work closely through joint operations to prevent, disrupt and respond to organised crime.”
The multi-agency operation targeted networks in northern NSW and south-east Queensland and involved NSW Police, the NSW Crime Commission, Queensland Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
The operation began on July 18 and concluded on Friday.
Commissioner at the NSW Crime Commission Michael Barnes said: “Significant law enforcement outcomes have been achieved, including proceeds of crime confiscation, and this is proof that criminals can’t escape the attention of law enforcement by moving to secluded areas.”
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