POLICE have executed eight search warrants across the Griffith area on Friday as part of an operation targeting drug supply within the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As a result of the raids police have made over 15 arrests so far with commercial quantities of drugs including cannabis and methylamphetamine seized, as well as cash and suspected stolen property.
Two of the men arrested, Robert Jason Nunn and David Frederick Loketi from Griffith, fronted Griffith Local Court on Friday and were refused bail.
While 15 people have already been charged with offences following the raids, more arrests are expected as a number of the warrants are still being processed on commercial, residential and farm premises across the Griffith area.
A police media spokeswoman said it was believed charges would be laid relating to drug supply, ongoing drug supply, receiving stolen goods and disposing of stolen goods.
She said the operation had been going on for a while and involved more than 100 police across the southern region, including specialist units.
Griffith Local Area Commander, Superintendant Michael Rowan said while the operational phase was complete, officers were now conducting further inquires and expected to make more arrests and lay further charges.
"I have said many times that there are two aspects to the drug trade. Firstly the health issue for the user, and secondly the criminality of the suppliers,” Superintendent Rowan said.
“This operation has had a positive outcome for our community, and we will continue to achieve results that stop the illegal drug trade within our society.”
“We need to continue to work together as a community, and we appeal to anyone who has information regarding the supply of drugs to contact Griffith Police on 0269694299 or Crime Stoppers.”
“Be assured your information will be acted upon.”
As part of the operation, West Griffith Service Centre next to the West End Service Station was raided on Friday afternoon.
There were four police officers at the scene in a police vehicle marked Lake Illawarra Local Area Command.
Workers at a nearby business said police had been there for about an hour.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/
They have reminded the public not to report crime information via their Facebook and Twitter Pages and assure them all information provided will be in the strictest of confidences.