Raids A Victory In Drug War
Newcastle Herald
Monday May 12, 2008
POLICE have claimed a victory over the drugs scourge after a Lake Macquarie investigation culminated in the seizure of more than 20 kilograms of drugs and tens of thousands of dollars in cash.
Six people have been charged after 10 kilograms of cannabis, nine kilograms of ecstasy, one kilogram of cocaine and 145 grams of heroin were allegedly found during raids on five properties in Lake Macquarie and Sydney on Friday night.But it is 500 grams of methylamphetamine, or ice, allegedly seized at a Belmont house which police believe could make a difference on the street."This sort of impact on the drug trade can never be underestimated . . . even a small amount of ice taken off the street is significant, but to have 500 grams in this area is huge," Northern Region commander Lee Shearer said yesterday.Strike Force Nellinda was formed last December after police got a tip-off about a drug supply ring connecting Sydney with the Hunter.Although it is still being counted, the street value of the drugs allegedly seized will be well into the millions the nine kilograms of ecstasy, or about 50,000 tablets, is estimated to be worth $1.5 million alone."Often good, upmarket drug dealers will actually work across a whole range of prohibited drugs, it just so happens this one was ice," Assistant Commissioner Shearer said.Up to 70 officers were used in the raids on Friday which targeted four Belmont homes, including premises in Tudor, Haig and Evans streets, and one house in Balmain.Bomb squad specialists were called to the Balmain address after some explosives and detonators were also found.A storage shed at Caves Beach was searched yesterday and a quantity of suspected stolen goods was seized.Three men and a woman were arrested at Belmont and faced Newcastle bail court yesterday on a range of drug charges.All were refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today.Two other men were charged in Sydney.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald
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