Tiamber Mackay, 22, of Simmons Place, appeared before Bathurst Local Court Registrar Mark Nicholls.

She was one of four women to front the court over the alleged supply of a large commercial quantity of heroin and other drugs, including methamphetamine [also known as ice].

The 22-year-old was charged with supply prohibited drug [large commercial quantity] supply a prohibited drug [indictable quantity] and two counts of supply a prohibited drug following a covert investigation, Operation Stagehand, undertaken by Bathurst detectives.

The other three co-accused – Elizabeth Mackay, 48, of Culnane Place; Suzanne Elsie Mackay, 52, of Bannerman Crescent; and Kelly Eldridge, 31, of Simmons Place – were all charged with knowingly take part in the supply of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, and a string of other drug-related charges.

They were arrested following police raids on their homes this week. Police also seized cash.

Both Elizabeth Mackay and Suzanne Mackay were refused bail to appear before Bathurst Local Court on Monday.

Eldridge was bailed on strict conditions, however, NSW Police immediately lodged a bail review under Section 25A of the Bail Act and her bail was stayed.

At yesterday’s bail hearing, Tiamber Mackay’s solicitor Rayna Pettit told the court the defendant came before the court without a criminal history.

She noted the length of the police facts sheet and said it would take a long time for the brief to be prepared.

“If her bail application is refused the defendant could remain in custody for a long time and there is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty,” she said.

Ms Pettit said a family friend, Donna Morgan, was prepared to let Tiamber Mackay live with her and added the defendant would comply with any bail conditions imposed on her.

She also noted her client did not appear to be the “prime mover” in the case.

However, Sergeant Lionel White moved that the bail application be refused.

“It’s a serious matter. The arrests are the result of a long and lengthy operation into the ongoing supply of drugs,” he said.

“There was a substantial quantity of drugs found, in excess of one kilogram.

“The allegations listed aren’t a one-off or accidental. They are a conscious part on an ongoing enterprise.”

Registrar Mark Nicholls noted the seriousness of the matters, the quantity of drugs and the presumption against bail under Section 8A of the Drugs Misuse and Trafficking Act in saying the defendant had given no reason why bail should be granted.

He refused bail, ordering Tiamber Mackay to appear before Bathurst Local Court in person on Monday.

Chifley Local Area Command crime manager Inspector Lance McFawn yesterday said the arrests were the result of a long-running covert investigation which began early in the year.

Inspector McFawn said Operation Stagehand had already made a significant impact on the availability of heroin and ice in the area.

“Operation Stagehand has been very successful. It is ongoing and will continue to target drug

supply within Chifley Local Area Command,” he said.

Despite the arrests, Inspector McFawn said police would remain vigilant and act on every piece of information passed onto them regarding the supply of illegal drugs.

“Again, we call on members of the public to report the activities of drug dealers,” he said.

“People can call Bathurst police station on 6332 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”