SEVEN people have been charged after a dragnet of police raids across Kempsey this week. The bust saw the seizure of a number of different illicit substances, several prohibited weapons and a large amount of cash.
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"In the last two days we have executed seven search warrants across the Kempsey area, and seized heroin, amphetamines, cannabis, a taser, two batons, and capsicum spray, plus over $10,000 in cash," Mid North Coast Local Area Commander Superintendent Paul Fehon said.
"This is a tremendous success for the Kempsey community, helping take the scourge of illicit drugs off the streets.
"The significant seizure is a result of the tireless efforts of detectives from Strike Force Beith, which was established by detectives who were attached to Strike Force Intrepid to investigate the supply of heroin and ice in Kempsey.
"I believe this action by police will save lives. Anybody who is a user of drugs or a family member of a user is strongly encouraged to seek help immediately."
Three women aged 26 to 63, and four men aged 26 to 62 stand accused. Collectively they face a multitude of charges, including supply of prohibited drugs, six counts of operating a drug premises, 30 charges of supplying drugs, three of possessing prohibited weapons and three of dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Kempsey Shire mayor Liz Campbell praised the officers involved and gave a timely reminder to residents that victories like this take the involvement of the whole community, not just police.
"The community and council thank the police involved in this significant operation," she said.
"Their efforts are not only about keeping our community safe. A successful operation of this scale starts to change the cycle of drug abuse and creates a brighter future for everyone in our valley, but in particular, our young people.
"Working together as a community, by working with police, we can take the drugs off the street and out of people's houses."
Arrests
A 63-year-old woman was arrested at a South Kempsey home. She was charged with organises/conducts drug premises, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, possess prohibited drug, two counts of deal with proceeds of crime and five counts of supply prohibited drug. She was refused bail at Kempsey Local Court yesterday to face the same court on Tuesday, September 24.
A 62-year-old man was arrested at a South Kempsey home. He was charged with supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, organises/conducts/assists in drug premises, six counts of supply prohibited drug. He was refused bail at Kempsey Local Court yesterday to face the same court on Wednesday, November 20.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at a South Kempsey home. He was charged with organises/conducts/assists drug premises, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, possess prohibited weapon and seven counts of supply prohibited drug. He was refused bail at Kempsey Local Court yesterday to face the same court on Wednesday November 20.
A 47-year-old woman was arrested during a vehicle stop on Smith St, Kempsey. A subsequent search warrant was carried out at a motel on Macleay Valley Way, Kempsey. She was charged with supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, possess prohibited drug, two counts of deal with proceeds of crime and six counts of supply prohibited drug.She was refused bail at Kempsey Local Court yesterday to face the same court on Wednesday, November 20.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at a West Kempsey home. He was charged with supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, organises/conducts/assists drug premises and three counts of supply prohibited drug. He was refused bail to face Kempsey Local Court today to face the same court on Wednesday, November 20.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at a West Kempsey home. He was charged with supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, organises/conducts/assists drug premises, two counts of possess prohibited drug and three counts of supply prohibited drug. He was refused bail to face Kempsey Local Court today.
A 26-year-old woman was arrested at a South Kempsey home. She was charged with supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, organises/conducts/assists drug premises expose child, two counts of possess prohibited weapon without permit, two counts of possess prohibited drug and three counts of supply prohibited drug. She was refused bail to face Kempsey Local Court today.