Detectives have descended on a number of Albury properties to arrest 24 people for the supply of prohibited drugs following a six-month investigation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Six search warrants were undertaken in North Albury, West Albury and Lavington on Wednesday and Thursday by Murray River and Riverina police districts, with the support of the Dog Unit.
The 24 arrests related to more than 80 offences.
It follows the establishment of Strike Force Schaefer, to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs - namely methylamphetamine (ice) and cocaine - in Albury and surrounding areas.
Southern Region Operations Manager Detective Superintendent Kevin McNeil said it all began with information received in June from the public about drug supply in the region.
"This investigation is a testament to the cycle that works," he said.
"We encourage members of the community to supply information to the local police stations regarding crime
"That's a total of 24 offenders in this area supplying street-level drugs of various quantities to people.
"That is a lot of people, and if we haven't located you, we will be coming to knock on your doors to find you."
During Wednesday's operation, officers seized a sawn-off .22 calibre shotgun, a replica rifle, knuckle dusters, two electronic stun devices, and $18,000 cash.
Officers also seized prohibited drugs - including 1.5 kilograms of cannabis, and methylamphetamine (ice) - as well as prescription medication.
Yesterday, police arrested and charged 13 people with drug-related offences.
As part of ongoing inquiries, officers arrested a further 11 people on Thursday, including a 40-year-old Albury man charged with nine counts of supply prohibited drug, and one count of supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis.
Detective Superintendent McNeil said investigators' intent was to not only put a dent in drug supply locally, but crime generally.
"We have discovered a number of firearms, prohibited weapons, tasers and other paraphernalia that is illegal or prohibited," he said.
"One of the problems that we've had recently is guns that look identical to firearms, that aren't ... people walking the streets with those is threatening and prohibited."
Detective Superintendent McNeil said approximately 30 additional officers came to support Murray River PD.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"The arrests have been done professionally and there's been no person injured that I'm aware of," he said.
"This operation was conducted in the middle of COVID.
"It is rewarding."
