Cops crack dial-a-dealer drug ring in Wagga

POLICE have dismantled a major dial-a-dealer drug syndicate in Wagga, arresting and charging more than a dozen people following a series of strike force raids across the Riverina.

Tens of thousands of dollars in cash and a cocktail of MDMA, cocaine, magic mushrooms and prescription pills were seized during the coordinated operation on Tuesday, 17 June.

The crackdown formed part of an ongoing investigation under Strike Force Vandehei-Wilkinson, launched in February to target the large-scale supply of illicit drugs across the region.

With assistance from the Southern Operations Support Group and NSW Dog Unit, officers from the Southern Region Enforcement Squad arrested a 38-year-old man in South Albury about midday Tuesday.

A search of his vehicle allegedly uncovered 300 blue MDMA pills and $430 in cash.

He was charged with supplying a prohibited drug in a commercial quantity, possessing a prohibited drug, and dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was refused bail to appear in Albury Local Court today.

His arrest triggered a series of follow-up raids across Wagga, with officers storming homes in Kooringal, Turvey Park, Lake Albert and Gobbagombalin.

Among those arrested was a man in Lake Albert, allegedly found with $39,500 in cash and a stash of cocaine. He was charged with two counts of drug supply and refused bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today.

Two 20-year-old men were arrested during separate raids in Kooringal. One is accused of supplying MDMA and cocaine on an ongoing basis. He faces 10 charges, including six counts of drug supply, and was refused bail.

At the second Kooringal address, police allegedly seized MDMA, cocaine, cash and electronic devices. The male occupant was also refused bail to face court today, charged with drug supply.

A third 20-year-old man was arrested at a unit in central Wagga, where officers allegedly found cocaine, prescription medication, cannabis, and multiple electronic devices.

He was charged with 15 offences, including ongoing drug supply, and refused bail to appear in court today.

In Turvey Park, police allegedly found cocaine and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) at a home. A 29-year-old man was arrested and charged with drug supply. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court in August.

Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man was arrested at a Gobbagombalin home and charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug. He was also granted conditional bail to appear in August.

Southern Operations Commander Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said the arrests had delivered a major blow to the local drug trade.

“We will allege they were supplying a significant amount of drugs — mainly cocaine and MDMA — over several months in and around Wagga Wagga,” Supt. Beattie said.

He said the operation is ongoing and urged others involved in drug supply to reconsider their actions.

“We anticipate there will be more arrests and are urging individuals to think about the consequences of their actions.

“Involvement in drug supply and illegal activities not only endangers your life but also the lives of others.”

Strike Force Vandehei-Wilkinson remains active as investigations continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.