9.30am, Wednesday July 27:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
TWELVE people were arrested in large-scale drug raids across the Southern Highlands and Western Sydney regions.
Four women, seven men and one 17-year-old boy were arrested and charged yesterday as part of a five-month investigation into the supply of methylamphetamine in the Highlands.
Seven search warrants were carried out at four residences in Bowral and Moss Vale, and others in Mount Annan, Ambarvale and Edmondson Park which resulted in the seizure of more than $30,000 cash.
Police also seized methylamphetamine, two poker machines, a replica pistol, alleged stolen property and other drug-related items.
Strike Force Trinculo was established by officers from The Hume Local Area Command (LAC) in March this year, with more than 80 officers involved in the raids yesterday morning.
The Hume LAC commander Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said the arrests on Tuesday included the group's alleged ringleader, a 26-year-old female.
The woman was charged with supply large commercial quantity of drug, participate in criminal group, recruit child to carry out criminal activity, four counts of ongoing drug supply, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and conduct four drug premises.
Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said the successful operation would have a positive effect on the Highlands community.
"This will have a positive impact on crime and by taking out the main sources of drugs, drug-related crime such as property theft and steal from motor vehicles will visibly reduce," Acting Superintendent Koutsoufis said.
2.30pm, Tuesday July 26:
SEVEN people were arrested as part of a major police operation in the Highlands on Tuesday.
The Hume Local Area Command Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said more than 80 police officers were involved in the operation, which was carried out throughout the Highlands and Sydney.
"This is the culmination of Strike Force Trinculo, a five-month operation targeting drug supply," he said.
Acting Superintendent Koutsoufis said the arrests on Tuesday included the group's ringleader, a 26-year-old female.
"The other six arrested were males aged from their 20s to 50s," he said.
During the operation, police recovered large amounts of drugs, cash, stolen property and telecommunications equipment.
Six search warrants were carried out at residences in Bowral, Moss Vale, Mount Annan, Edmondson Park and Bass Hill.
Acting Superintendent Koutsoufis said the operation sent a strong message to anyone dealing in drugs in the Highlands region.
"The main sources of drugs in the Southern Highlands have been abolished," he said. "Anyone considering continuing to supply drugs in the region will be targeted and caught, and the consequences are severe."
He said the successful operation would have a positive effect on the Highlands community.
"This will have a positive impact on crime and by taking out the main sources of drugs, drug-related crime such as property theft and steal from motor vehicles will visibly reduce," Acting Superintendent Koutsoufis said.
"We have gone a long way to improve the safety and security of the local community."