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Drug network smashed
Wednesday, 20 July 2005
 
By SIMONE PLEWS
A NINE-MONTH police operation has cracked open a "large and complex" drug network in Port Macquarie which has allegedly distributed close to $2 million worth of drugs to the Mid-North Coast.
 
Although last week's police raid uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal drugs and cash at seven Port Macquarie premises, police believe the alleged drug ring has supplied $1.4 million worth of cannabis and up to $500,000 worth of ecstasy and amphetamines to the Mid-North Coast in the past year.
 
Strikeforce Mooraback has arrested six members of the alleged crime syndicate, including a married Port Macquarie couple, Bandido gang member and local businessman. The group has been charged with more than 20 drug and weapon offences.
 
Friday's meticulously-planned police raids targeted two Rydges Hotel apartments, The Juice Bar in Clarence St and other Port Macquarie units and houses.
 
The extensive searches netted 194g of "high purity" amphetamines with a street value of up to $500,000, 17kg of cannabis worth $108,000, more than $90,000 in cash and a Ruger 30 firearm.
 
Port Macquarie crime manager Inspector Warwick Laney said the three-phase operation was one of the largest conducted in the local area.
 
"We would class this as a major drug operation with substantial arrests," he said. "Those arrested were (allegedly) major players in drug distribution in this area."
 
Alleged ringleader Peter Furey, 38, of Port Macquarie, his 35-year-old wife Lisa, Adelaide man Justin Grisbrook, 29, and Brian Everson, 49 of Kempsey, have been remanded in custody to reappear in Port Macquarie Local Court on August 18.
 
The owner of Port Macquarie's The Juice Bar, Mark Brownbill, 43, has been bailed to reappear in court next Monday.
 
Another Port Macquarie man Paul James Ryan, 37, was charged on Monday this week and has been bailed to appear in court on August 15.
 
The police operation involved Mid-North Coast investigators and the NSW Crime Commission and is on-going.
 
"(The operation) began with a small team to start with, leading into a large team at the stage of the arrests," Insp Laney said.
 
"The investigations are continuing and further arrests are anticipated."
 
Facts tendered to Port Macquarie Local Court on Monday reveal at least four other alleged drug suppliers.
 
 
 

 

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