In July 2018, investigators attached to Manning-Great Lakes Police District Special Operations Team commenced inquiries into the supply of methylamphetamine around the Taree area.

Following inquiries, just before 10am on November 7, officers from Manning-Great Lakes Police District, with assistance from Mid-North Coast Police District, executed search warrants at two homes in Taree and a property at Old Bar.

Police located and seized methylamphetamine, cash, an electronic stun device, and OC spray.

Two women – aged 33 and 50 – and three men – aged 35, 44, and 53 – were arrested and taken to Forster Police Station.

The older woman, arrested at Old Bar, was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), take part cultivate prohibited plant, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The younger woman, arrested at Taree, was charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity) (x3), and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The 53-year-old man, arrested at Old Bar, was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), cultivate prohibited plant, possess prohibited drug (x3), and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The 44-year-old man, arrested at Taree, was charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity) (x2).

The 35-year-old man, arrested at Taree, was charged with supply prohibited drug (small quantity) (x4), supply prohibited drug (indictable) (x2), supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, deal with property proceeds of crime, and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.

They were all refused bail to appear at Forster Local Court on November 8.

Following further inquiries, about 1.30pm the same day, a search warrant was also executed at a unit on Andover Crescent, Hebersham.

During a search of the unit, police located 11 cannabis plants and hydroponic equipment.

A 52-year-old man was arrested at the unit and taken to Riverstone Police Station.

He was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), cultivate prohibited plant, possess prohibited drug, and deal with proceeds of crime.

The man was refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on November 7, where he was refused bail again to reappear on Wednesday, 16 January 2019.

Manning-Great Lakes Police District Commander, Superintendent Shane Cribb said the arrests are the culmination of several months of dedicated investigate work.

“The results of this operation are a testament to the work of officers and part of our continued effort to target the drug supply chain,” Superintendent Cribb said.

“We see the devastating impact drugs have in our community and we will continue to work closely with other police districts to dismantle drug syndicates.”

Investigations are ongoing.