2 February 2024

Three people charged following Riverina drug operations

| Shri Gayathirie Rajen
Man with police

A 53-year-old man was arrested and taken to Temora Police Station. Photo: NSW Police.

Three people have been charged with multiple drug offences following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the Riverina.

NSW Police established Strike Force Guginya in June 2023 to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in Temora.

Police said officers attached to the Southern Region Enforcement Squad, with assistance from the Dog Squad, executed a search warrant at an address on Deakin Avenue, Lloyd, about 7 km southeast of Wagga Wagga at about 10:30 am on Wednesday (31 January).

NSW Police Force bags

Police allegedly located cannabis, methylamphetamine, prescription medication, MDMA and steroids. Photo: NSW Police.

Investigators allegedly located cannabis, methylamphetamine, prescription medication, MDMA and steroids. Electronic devices were also seized for forensic examination.

A 33-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station.

The man has been charged with eight counts of supplying prohibited drugs, two counts of possessing prohibited drugs and supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.

Police with sniffer dog

Dog squads were called into two separate operations in the Riverina. Photo: NSW Police.

Southern Region Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said over the course of the investigation, the police found the three charged were involved in a number of matters in supplying primitive drugs.

“This arrest should send as a warning to anyone engaged in the distribution of drugs,” Supt Beattie said. “The NSW Police have significant resources, and it’s only a matter of time before they come on our radar…no matter how safe they think they are.”

Supt Beattie commended the Temora community for bringing vital information to Strike Force Guginya.”It was information we were able to act upon,” he said. The Temora community should be happy we have listened to them and taken action.

Supt Beattie said drug supply anywhere in NSW is concerning.”It is something we focus on…and find every opportunity we can to engage and disrupt this sort of criminal enterprise group,” he said.”We arrest people every day engaged in drug supply.”

The woman has been charged with 32 counts of supplying prohibited drugs and two counts of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.

They were refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court today (1 February).

Following inquiries, officers attached to Southern Region Enforcement Squad, with assistance from the Dog Squad and Riverina Police District executed a search warrant at a premises in Hoskins St, Temora at about 2 pm on Tuesday (30 January).

Police allegedly located and seized methylamphetamine and cash.

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A 53-year-old man was arrested and taken to Temora Police Station.

He was charged with supplying prohibited drugs and selling liquor without a licence.

He was granted bail to appear at Temora Local Court on Wednesday 21 February.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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