13 charged in drug crackdown, dial-a-dealer ring ‘dismantled’: Police

A MAJOR three-day police operation targeting an alleged dial-a-dealer drug syndicate operating across the Riverina has concluded, with 13 people charged following a sweeping crackdown in Wagga, Tumut and surrounding areas.

The operation, conducted under Strike Force Vandehei-Wilkinson, began on Tuesday, 17 June, and saw coordinated raids across three consecutive days, resulting in the seizure of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, weapons, replica grenades, and nearly $40,000 in cash.

The strike force was launched in February by the Southern Region Enforcement Squad to investigate the large-scale supply of illicit drugs in the region.

With assistance from the Southern Operations Group, NSW Dog Unit, Police Transport Command, and local officers from the Riverina Police District, police executed a series of high-risk search warrants across Wagga Wagga, Tumut, Lake Albert, Kooringal, Turvey Park, and Gobbagombalin.

A man arrested during Tuesday’s operation in Wagga | Picture: NSW Police

The crackdown began with seven people arrested and charged in Wagga during raids at multiple homes across the city on Tuesday. Read more here.

On day two, officers turned their focus to Tumut, where a man was arrested after officers allegedly located cannabis, methylamphetamine, knives and electronics in his home.

He was refused bail on multiple charges, including police pursuit and taking a vehicle without consent.

Firearm parks and two replica grenades were allegedly found at a second home in Maroo Street.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the address and charged with weapon and drug possession. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Tumut Local Court on Wednesday, August 13.

Man arrested at a home in Tumut on Thursday | Picture: Supplied

Police seized almost 1.5kg of cannabis from a house in Tumut | Picture: Supplied

Later that afternoon, around 2.45pm, police searched a property on Cummins Road, Lake Albert, allegedly uncovering three gel blaster pistols, cocaine, and MDMA. A 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with drug supply.

The final day of the operation saw police return to Tumut, where officers allegedly seized almost 1.5 kilograms of cannabis from a home in Capper Street.

A 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with possessing and supplying a prohibited drug. He was refused bail, charged also over an aggravated break and enter and two outstanding warrants.

Elsewhere in Lambie Street, an 18-year-old man was charged with drug supply and possess ammunition. He was also refused bail and is due to face Wagga Wagga Local Court on 20 August 2025.

In related action, two more men—aged 21 and 33—were charged with drug supply, while two others—aged 21 and 30—were charged with taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug.

All four were granted conditional bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on 20 August.

Southern Operations Commander Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said the high-visibility operation had dealt a major blow to the local drug trade.

“[the arrests] have put a significant dent in the drug supply network in the Riverina, with a number of alleged dealers now before the courts,” Supt. Beattie said.

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

Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Andrew Spliet also paid tribute to the hard work performed by his officers over the past few days.

“I know there is a great deal of community support for these proactive operations targeting street-level crimes across the Police District,” Supt Spliet said.

“I am committed to further similar operations being conducted in coming months.”

He urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity.

“I remind anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs and the possession of knives without a valid excuse that they can call Wagga Wagga Police or Crime Stoppers anything on 1800 333 000.”

Strike Force Vandehei-Wilkinson is now concluded, but police say investigations into wider drug activity across the Riverina remain ongoing.