ONE of the alleged ringleaders of a drug ring in Tamworth with connections to the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang has been arrested.
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Police allege the 30-year-old former Tamworth man was involved in the supply of almost $80,000 worth of ice, after he came under the notice of detectives attached to Strike Force Mewburn last year.
Oxley crime manager Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy told The Leader police will allege the man had high-quality methylamphetamine in his possession when he was intercepted in October 2014.
“Police will allege this man is one of the upper-level drug suppliers,” he said yesterday.
“It was as a result of a targeted stop and search and 78.9g of methylamphetamine was seized with an estimated street value of $78,900.”
The man, who lives in Newcastle, handed himself in to police in Tamworth yesterday morning after several attempts by investigators to locate him.
He was questioned by detectives and charged with one count of supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs.
If convicted, the man faces up to 15 years in jail.
“This is a significant arrest,” Detective Acting Inspector Darcy said.
“This is a result of a targeted investigation into the alleged drug supply between Newcastle and Tamworth.”
The man was granted conditional bail and will appear in court later this month.
Seventeen people, including the alleged leader of the Rebels Tamworth chapter, have now been charged with more than 40 offences in connection with the police operation.
The strike force was set up in July last year to investigate members and associates of the Rebels bikie gang who were allegedly involved in the supply of amphetamine and methylamphetamine in the Tamworth area.
“I want to commend the Oxley investigators and their team leader for their dedication in such a significant operation,” Detective Acting Inspector Darcy said.
“This has been an incredibly intensive investigation involving a lot of resources which has complemented detectives who have been leading the operation.
“The investigation has made a significant inroad into the illicit drug supply in this area.
“Further investigations will continue into the supply of illegal drugs and we encourage people to contact Crime Stoppers to dob in a druggie.”
