Four Riverina men have been refused bail after being swept up in massive drug and firearm ring this week.
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An eight-month police operation spanning three states culminated in a dramatic interception of a plane on the tarmac of Deniliquin airport.
Detectives from the NSW Gangs Squad said they discovered 45 kilograms of cannabis on board and four kilograms of a precursor to the drug ice.
Detective Inspector Gavin Wood of the gangs squad said pilot of the plane John White's arrest triggered further raids in Hay.
Three properties were raided in Hay, leading to four arrests.
Steve Harris, 38, of Hay faces 14 firearms charges; Morgan Cox, 29, of Hay faces three firearms charges; John Mirabelli, 43, of Hay faces 14 firearms charges; Frank Ruberto, 46, of Hay faces three firearms charges and one charge of dealing in the proceeds of crime.
The pilot, from Queensland, has been charged with one count of supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.
All appeared in Deniliquin Local Court on Thursday and will reappear on Tuesday at Griffith Local Court via audio-visual link.
In an unrelated matter, John Mirabelli’s family property in Hay was the subject of a large-scale search for the remains of slain Griffith anti-drug crusader Donald Mackay in 2013.
Mr Mackay's remains were not found.
Deniliquin Local Area Commander, Superintendent Paul Condon, praised the work of the local investigative team in the operation.
“This has been a comprehensive investigation by a committed team of police officers who kicked off this case then worked in close partnership with their Sydney and interstate colleagues,” Supt Condon said.
“These officers have played an integral role in investigating a supply chain of guns and drugs to this area and further afield. Their work is to be commended.”