21 April 2023

Leeton man released on conditional bail over multiple drugs and weapons charges

| Shri Gayathirie Rajen
Griffith Court House.

Griffith Court House. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

Leeton man Grant Hillman has been released on conditional bail after police located and seized prohibited drugs, weapons, OMCG clothing and $12,000 following an investigation into the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in Leeton.

Fifty-year-old Hillman faced Griffith Local Court on 19 April charged with supplying a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug, two counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, and carrying, using or possessing an explosive flare or firework.

Magistrate Trevor Khan granted Hillman bail on the conditions that he must report to Leeton Police Station, once daily between 8 am and 7 pm, not leave his home at night (7 pm to 7 am) unless he in the company of three particular people, and he can only have one mobile phone.

Hillman must attend the front door of the premises immediately upon request of a police officer, with curfew checks to be no more than twice per night, eight times per week.

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The accused must not go near or contact or try to go near or contact (except through a legal representative) any prosecution witness.

Police said officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District’s Proactive Crime Team established Strike Force Apperly in January this year to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in the Leeton area.

Following extensive inquiries, local police with assistance from the Operational Support Group (OSG) executed three search warrants at homes in Railway Avenue and Wallowa Street, Leeton, and Purdon Street, Whitton, from about 9 am on 18 April.

Police located and seized methylamphetamine, cannabis, MDMA, an electronic stun device, an extendable baton, fireworks, OMCG clothing, more than $12,000 in cash, and paraphernalia consistent with the alleged distribution of methylamphetamine.

During the searches, Hillman and two other men aged 49 and 71, were arrested and taken to Leeton Police Station.

The 49-year-old man was charged with 12 offences, including six counts of supplying a prohibited drug, knowingly allowing the use of a drug on the premises, three counts of possessing a prohibited drug, having goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear before Griffith Local Court on 6 July.

The 71-year-old man was charged with taking part in supplying a prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Leeton Local Court on 9 May.

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Hillman will face Griffith Local Court again on 24 May.

Investigations under Strike Force Apperly continue.

Anyone who has information that may assist Strike Force Apperly investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Crime Stoppers online. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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