Police have arrested four men and a woman seizing guns, cash, and drugs, following raids on the north coast this morning.
Officers formed Strike Force Tucker in April this year to investigate the supply of methamphetamine on the north coast.
About 7.30am today (Thursday August 20) police from Richmond Local Area Command and officers from Tweed Byron raided four homes in East Lismore, Tuckombil, Goonellabah, and Tweed Heads West.
They also searched two storage facilities at Alstonville and Ballina.
As a result, officers arrested four men and a woman, without incident.
Investigators will allege that they seized more than $100,000 in cash, four handguns, including one semi-automatic, a quantity of drugs believed to be methamphetamine (ice), and other items.
The men and woman were taken to Lismore Police Station where they remain in custody and are assisting with inquiries.
All items were seized and will undergo forensic examinations.
Richmond Local Area Command crime manager, detective inspector Cameron Lindsay, said the latest arrests are the culmination of a lengthy investigation.
‘We formed Strike Force Tucker four months ago to dismantle this illegal drug supply network,’ said detective inspector Lindsay, who is leading the operation.
‘Investigators have been involved in numerous inquiries and I believe that we have shut down a major drug distribution network on the north coast of NSW.
‘Officers have also been able to remove from the streets four firearms, a large quantity of illegally obtained cash and illicit drugs.
‘I urge anyone with information about the manufacture or supply of illegal drugs to contact police immediately. Callers should contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1 800 333 000,’ he said.
Inquiries by Strike Force Tucker continue.
