AT least 19 people have been arrested, 12 homes searched and an assortment of drugs, firearms and other items seized during this week’s police drugs blitz in Goulburn.
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And they’re not done with yet. Hume Local Area Command Detective Inspector Chad Gillies warned Strike Force Coull investigations will continue.
“This is not the end,” he said.
“We anticipate further arrests as investigations continue.” Four more search warrants were yesterday executed in Goulburn following the eight raids (one in Sydney) on Tuesday morning.
In the latest raids police confiscated four trail bikes, a quantity of cannabis, clothing items and two firearms from homes in Kent, Elm, Avoca and Francis streets.
“We’re confident that we have made significant progress towards the disruption and dismantling of the drug supply network in Goulburn.”
- Detective Inspector Gillies
Three men and a woman were taken into custody. Seven search warrants were executed on Tuesday at homes on Churchill Ave, Werriwa St, Taralga Rd, Broughton St, Howard Boulevarde, Barry Crescent and Joshua St, Goulburn.
An eighth search warrant was executed at a home on Coleman Street, Carlingford, where methylamphetamine and about three litres of a liquid, believed to be GBL, were allegedly seized. Two men in connection with the Carlingford search were arrested and face charges of commercial supply of a prohibited substance.
Police expect to lay more than 170 charges in connection with this week’s operation.
“We’re confident that we have made significant progress towards the disruption and dismantling of the drug supply network in Goulburn,” Detective Inspector Gillies said.
He said the accused will be appearing in court soon on various dates.
At least six were refused bail in Goulburn District Court on Wednesday. Others were given conditional bail.
Strike Force Coull was established in mid-2014 to investigate illicit drug supply in the Goulburn area and comprised of detectives from The Hume Local Area Command Drug Unit. Detective Inspector Gillies praised the work of officers.
“They have worked tirelessly these past five months to get these results,” he said.
“I cannot praise their efforts, their commitment enough.”
He told the Post that Goulburn had a drug presence like “any other metro or regional area”.
He confirmed that the Strike Force was targeting methylamphetamine – or ice – in Goulburn.
“We’re not immune to it (ice) and we acknowledge that it is always an issue,” he said.
Police are inviting members of the public to come forward if they suspect drug-related activity in their communities.
“As we continue to investigate illicit drug supply in the Goulburn area, I urge anyone with information to come forward and contact us,” Detective Inspector Gillies said.