POLICE have seized a large amount of ice, MDMA, cannabis, cash and weapons during raids on two properties at Corowa as part of a strike force targeting drug trafficking.
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Officers swooped on two homes in Henry Street and Honour Avenue about 5pm Tuesday after a two-month investigation.
They seized about $60,000 worth of drugs and weapons including Tasers, a crossbow with a scope and other items.
Five people in their 20s were taken into custody and were charged with offences including supplying a large commercial quantity of drugs.
Albury Acting Superintendent Evan Quarmby said a large number of officers from Albury, Corowa and surrounding areas had searched the properties as part of Strike Force Hurford.
“We will ensure that people who deal drugs in our communities will have a court appearance in their future,” he said.
“It was outstanding work by our local police towards keeping our community safe.
“If people want to deal drugs, we’re more than happy to give them a non-negotiable tour of our cells and court system.”
Albury Local Court heard on Wednesday that one of the accused – Michael Carter, 23 – had only finished parole last month.
He had served nine months in jail in 2014 for weapons offences.
Carter offered a $5000 surety to secure bail, which would have been sourced by selling goods and his vehicle.
Prosecutor Sergeant Gary Rowe opposed bail and alleged it was “very likely” he would be found guilty and sent back to jail.
Court registrar Paul Barber refused bail, but said he was not concerned the defendant would fail to turn up to court.
“My main concern is the protection of the community with these kind of weapons out there,” he said.
Mr Carter, who appeared before court in a black T-shirt with shaved hair, kept his head lowered for much of the hearing.
He will return to court in Albury on Thursday.
Bradley Kilner, 24, is facing the most serious charges of supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug and did not apply for bail.
Chloe Wilson, 28, and Adam Wright, 23, both face charges of supply prohibited drug.
They did not apply for bail during court appearances lasting less than one minute.
A 25-year-old woman was issued a court attendance notice for next month on weapon possession charges.
The court appearances followed the release of police statistics which showed a 30 per cent rise in amphetamine possession, including ice, in NSW.
The figures, which cover the 24-month period to December, also showed a nearly 80 per cent increase in fraud charges in Albury, with 300 incidents recorded last year.