NSW Western and Southern regions have joined forces to tackle drug and rural criminal offences.
Officers have successfully arrested and charged eight people in connection with drugs, firearms, and a herd of approximately seven hundred goats which are believed to have been obtained illegally.
The goats were located following an extensive search by PolAir, Police are currently trying to identify the owner.
Following searches across four properties in Cobar, officers seized an array of drugs including methylamphetamine, cannabis, prescription medication and suspected GBH.
At a property in Hillston a large amount of cash, ammunition, methylamphetamine and cannabis.
Charges laid include twelve counts to supply a prohibited drug, taking part in supplying a prohibited drug, larceny, property damage, possession of prohibited drugs and plants, direct activities of a criminal group, possession of ammunition without a licence, acquire firearms without a licence, supply firearms without a licence and the theft and unlawful sale of goats.
Murrumbidgee Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Eugene Stek, said rural crime in New South Wales is a significant issue and has a huge economic impact.
“It’s costing millions – not only in the theft of stock but also the theft of farming equipment, fuel and machinery, damaged fences, loss of income and it also introduces biosecurity risks.” Det Insp Stek said.
“Western and Southern Region removed the district boundaries to work together to disrupt and take down this alleged syndicate.
Farmers are the backbone of our country; this joint resolution shows that police will come at rural crime and drug offenders from all angles and deal with them under the full force of the law.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages
