SIX people have been charged following a 18-month long investigation targeting the supply of illicit drugs in Bathurst.
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In late 2019, police established Strike Force Resche to investigate a criminal network allegedly involved in the supply of prohibited drugs - mainly cocaine - from Sydney to the Bathurst area.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed seven search warrants in Bathurst, Eglinton, Yetholme, Glenmore Park, Cambridge Gardens and Cambridge Park on Wednesday morning.
Officers were assisted throughout the operation by Chifley Region Enforcement Squad (RES), the Dog Unit, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command (FETS), Central West Police District, Western Region Operations Support Groups (OSG), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Roads and Maritime Services Motor Unit.
During the searches, officers seized prohibited drugs including cocaine and steroids, as well as equipment consistent with the supply of prohibited drugs.
Shortly after 9am yesterday, a 29-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were arrested at a home in Yetholme and taken to Bathurst Police Station.
The man was charged with 33 offences including supply a prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).
The woman was charged with 21 offences including participate in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity.
A 49-year-old man was arrested at a home on Cummings Street, West Bathurst, and taken to Bathurst Police Station.
He was charged with supply pistol without dealer/ police witness, take part supply cannabis (indictable quantity), four counts of supply prohibited drug, four counts of take part supply prohibited drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
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Three other men - aged 55, 37 and 36 - were arrested in Western Sydney and taken to Mt Druitt and Penrith Police Stations, and charged with a string of related offences.
Chifley Police District's Commander Peter O'Brien, described the investigation "as complex and sophisticated" and said police expect to lay more charges.
Police will allege that over one kilogram of drugs were seized.
Supt O'Brien said his clear message to the community was police will not tolerate drugs of this nature.
"We will come knocking on your door sooner or later," he said.
Crime Manager, Chief Inspector Luke Rankin said investigators have developed a lot of intelligence as a result of the investigation.
"If you're dealing drugs in Bathurst there is every likelihood we know who you are and you're on our list."
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