NSW Police conducted raids at several locations across the Riverina. Photo: NSW Police.
NSW Police has charged seven people and dismantled an alleged dial-a-dealer drug syndicate as part of an ongoing police drug operation in the Riverina.
In February 2025, officers attached to Southern Region Enforcement Squad established Strike Force Vandehei-Wilkinson to investigate the alleged supply of illicit drugs.
At about noon on Tuesday (17 June), officers arrested a 38-year-old man in Townsend Street, South Albury. Police searched a car and seized 300 blue pills, believed to be MDMA (ecstasy), and $430 cash. The man was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with supplying a prohibited drug, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, and possessing a prohibited drug. He was refused bail and appeared in Albury Local Court on Wednesday.
Following the arrest, multiple search warrants were executed across the Riverina Police District by officers attached to the Southern Region Enforcement Squad, with assistance from the Southern Operations Support Group, NSW Dog Unit and officers attached to the Riverina Police District.
A search warrant was executed at a home in Kooringal. Police allegedly seized drugs from the home. A 20-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged with 10 offences – eight counts of supplying a prohibited drug, supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime (an amount less than or equal to $5000).
Police will allege in court he was involved in the supply of cocaine and MDMA. He was refused bail and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.
Further search warrants were also executed at homes in Wagga Wagga, Kooringal, Lake Albert, Turvey Park and Gobbagombalin.
At the Wagga location, police allegedly seized cocaine, prescription medication, cannabis, cash, MDMA pills and electronic devices.
MDMA pills were allegedly seized by officers. Photo: NSW Police.
A 20-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged with 15 offences – including 11 counts of supplying a prohibited drug. He was refused bail and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.
At Kooringal, MDMA, cocaine, cash and electronic devices were allegedly seized from the home. A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged with supplying a prohibited drug. He was refused bail and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.
In Lake Albert, police allegedly seized $39,500 cash and cocaine. A man was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug. He was refused bail and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.
Police also seized large amounts of cash. Photo: NSW Police.
At Turvey Park, ‘magic mushrooms’ and cocaine were allegedly seized. A 29-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station. He was charged with supplying a prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail and appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.
In Gobbagombalin, electronic devices and clothing were seized. A 23-year-old man was charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail and will appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on 20 August.
Southern Operations Commander Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said the community could be assured the operation was far from over.
“[Tuesday’s] arrests have put a significant dent in the drug supply network in the Riverina, with a number of alleged dealers now before the courts. We will allege they were supplying a significant amount of drugs mainly cocaine and MDMA, over several months in and around Wagga Wagga,” Detective Superintendent Beattie said.
“We anticipate there will be more arrests and are urging individuals to think about the consequences of their actions.
“Involvement in drug supply and illegal activities not only endangers your life but also the lives of others.”
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
