POLICE believe an ice haul seized during a car stop was headed for Glen Innes and could have generated more than 1300 deals to local users.
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Acting on a tip off, Glen Innes police intercepted a car on the New England Highway, south of the town, and arrested a 39-year-old Glen Innes woman behind the wheel.
New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy said police discovered approximately 136.17g of methylamphetamine, or ice, hidden inside.
“The methylamphetamine has an estimated street value of $136,000 and that commodity is often sold in 0.1 of a gram,” she told The Leader.
“We believe it was for distribution into a small town because the woman is a Glen Innes resident.”
According to police, ice is usually sold in 0.1g hits and can fetch about $100, meaning the haul discovered in the car had the potential to supply more than 1360 deals on local streets.
“It is an ongoing investigation,” Detective Inspector Joy said.
“We received some information and we acted on that information and intercepted the vehicle.
“It was a good result.”
During an initial search of the car, officers found a small quantity of ice and an ice pipe before the woman was arrested and taken to Glen Innes Police Station.
In a further search, police discovered the haul hidden inside and the woman was charged with possessing and supplying more than an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs – a charge which, if convicted, can carry a maximum of 15 years in jail.
The woman has been granted conditional bail to answer the charges in court in October, but police maintain the investigation into the sale of ice is continuing.
“It continues to be a focus for any command,” Detective Inspector Joy said.
On Tuesday, tougher penalties came into force for offenders found guilty of manufacturing or supplying large commercial quantities of ice.
The NSW government has halved the threshold quantity for the offence and now dealers face life imprisonment if charged with possessing or manufacturing 500g or more of ice.