Currently in the recruitment phase, Chifley’s Regional Enforcement Squad will be a proactive unit targeting the mid-level supply of drugs and property crime and other key crime areas.

It is one of four specialist squads introduced as part of a statewide command restructure announced by Police Commissioner Mick Fuller last year.

The squads have been used successfully in Sydney to combat mid-level crime such as drug supply networks and clandestine meth labs, and have been instrumental in the arrest of alleged drug dealers and others involved in syndicated crime.

Earlier this month, two men were charged after police seized over a kilogram of cocaine and more than $770,000 in cash following raids by officers attached to Surry Hills Region Enforcement Squad (RES).

Chifley’s highest ranking police officer, Superintendent Paul McDonald, said the Chifley squad was in the recruitment phase.

 “Hopefully by end of July we should be up an running,” he said.

Supt McDonald said while the RES would have a general focus of targeting mid level drug supply and other serious to mid level crime affecting the district, there would be flexibility in their approach to target specific crime when required.

Last week the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad (RES)  was rolled out on the North Coast.

Consisting of one sergeant and four constables, the Northern Rivers RES will conduct investigations into drug supply, firearms offences, and property crime, as well as any criminal syndicates operating in the area.