Police allege it was the “who’s who” of drug dealers in Cessnock.
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An almost year-long operation has led to 10 people charged, and possibly more to come, in relation to the supply of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, and other drugs in the Hunter.
Police raided 11 properties, nine in Cessnock and two in Newcastle. The Cessnock raids took place in Brown Street, Wangi Avenue, Alkira Avenue, Maclean Street, Dowlan Lane as well as Mathieson and Kearsley Streets in Bellbird.
At the Cessnock properties, police allegedly seized methamphetamines, LSD, cannabis, cash, prescription drugs, replica firearms, ammunition, throwing knives and tools suspected of being stolen.
The charges included:
- A 71-year-old man charged with supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, four counts of supply prohibited drug, deal in the proceeds on crime and operate drug premises.
- A 46-year-old man charged with supply prohibited drug greater than an indictable quantity, four counts of possess prohibited drug, and deal with the proceeds of crime.
- A 29-year-old woman was charged with supply prohibited drug greater than an indictable quantity, and two counts of possess prescribed restricted substance.
- A 32-year-old was charged with supply prohibited drug (x3)
- A 40-year-old was charged with supply prohibited drug (x11), and supply prohibited drug on an on-going basis.
- A 42-year-old woman was charged with supply prohibited drug on an on-going basis, supply prohibited drug (x16), and occupier conduct drug premises.
- A 45-year-old woman was charged with supply prohibited drug on an on-going basis and supply prohibited drug (x4).
- A 52-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug on an on-going basis, supply prohibited drug (x6), and possess prohibited drug.
- A 47-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (x4).
- A 37-year-old man was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug.
Community information led to the formation of Strike Force Hoadley in December 2016 before police began to make traction in March this year.
Police claim those charged were involved in “street level” drug supply of small amounts, but high frequency sales.
The people charged were not working together according to police, but would frequently interact with each other.
Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector George Radmore said he believed the arrests would have a “significant impact” on the availability of ice in Cessnock.
“Some of these people were long-term and well known criminals in the area,” he said.
Inspector Radmore admitted police could not investigate every drug house in the command.
He said ice and other drug use was a lot more widespread than it was 30 years ago, when the major drug problem was heroin.
“30 years ago there were two drug houses in a suburb, now there’s two in a street,” he said.
“Back then the average person did not inject themselves with heroin. Now people hold down jobs and use ice. It’s a lot more widespread.
“There’s a big market for ice, and if there’s demand then there’s supply.”
But Inspector Radmore said this week’s sting sent a strong message to drug suppliers.
“Nobody is untouchable,” he said. “You will not know when we’re coming for you.”
Inspector Radmore said the arrests were a great example of what information from the public could lead to.