Two men charged as police break alleged drug ring operating on the state's North Coast - Operation Eldorado
Friday, 17 August 2012 04:19:33 PM
Two men have been charged in relation to an alleged drug ring operating on the state’s far north coast.
Operation Eldorado, comprising officers from Richmond Local Area Command’s Drug Unit, was formed in March this year to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine (MDMA) in the Ballina area.
Following extensive investigations, officers arrested a 32-year-old Ballina man and a 35 year-old Byron Bay man about 11.15am today (Friday 17 August 2012).
Following the arrests, detectives from Richmond and Tweed/Byron Local Area Commands conducted search warrants at houses in Ballina, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.
During the search warrants, officers located and seized cash, capsules believed to be ecstasy, cannabis, drug paraphernalia and mobile phones.
The 32-year-old man was taken to Ballina Police Station. He was charged with the ongoing supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug and supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug.
The 35-year-old man was taken to Byron Bay Police Station. He was charged with supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug.
Both men were refused bail and are due to appear in Lismore Local Court tomorrow (Saturday 18 August 2012).
Richmond Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Greg Moore, said today’s arrests are the culmination of months of hard work by police.
“Operations of this nature disrupt the major of supply of drugs in the area. They are also useful in removing key players involved in drug rings,” Detective Inspector Moore said.
“There is still more work to be done and I expect further arrests to be made.
“I hope today’s arrests sends a message to those involved in the supply of prohibited drugs that we will not give up the fight and will continue to work hard to identify anyone involved.
“The community can play a big role in crime fighting and I would urge anyone with any information about crimes in the area to come forward and contact police.
“That small piece of information might just lead to something bigger and help us make the streets safer for everyone,” Det Insp Moore said.
