newy.com.au – A 59-year-old woman has been charged over her alleged involvement in a $3 million drug manufacturing and supply syndicate operating in the Port Stephens area.
Drug and Firearms Squad detectives arrested the woman at East Maitland about 10am on Friday, 17 July, following investigations under Strike Force Korpisalo.
A short time later, detectives, assisted by the Raptor Squad, searched a home at Aberglassyn, where police allegedly found 42 grams of methylamphetamine and $1750 in cash.
The woman was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with taking part in the manufacture of a prohibited drug greater than a large commercial quantity, supplying a prohibited drug greater than an indictable quantity and less than a commercial quantity, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that she was involved in sourcing glassware and chemicals for a clandestine laboratory. She was refused bail and was due to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 on Saturday, 18 July.
Strike Force Korpisalo was established in March by the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad Cannabis Chemical Diversion Team to investigate the illegal supply and misuse of chemicals and laboratory equipment used to manufacture prohibited drugs in Port Stephens.
As part of the investigation, detectives searched properties at Salamander Bay and Boat Harbour on 25 June, allegedly seizing 64 kilograms of prohibited drugs with an estimated street value of $2.66 million. Chemical containers and liquids allegedly linked to a clandestine laboratory were also seized.
Two men have previously been charged and remain before the courts.
Anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed confidentially.
