SEE THE UPDATED STORY: 'Party drug scene' smashed in raids as alleged ringleader denied bail
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FIVE men have been charged with drug and supply offences after a series of raids uncovered drugs in the Tamworth and Muswellbrook areas.
Police from the Oxley Target Action Group (TAG), backed by the Western Region Enforcement Squad, set-up Strike Force Heyward to home in on the supply of MDMA, or ecstasy, and cocaine, in and around licensed pubs and clubs in Tamworth.
The secret operation was launched in July and unfolded on Thursday with three search warrants and a car stop.
Police said they carried out a car stop on Thursday and searched the car where they allegedly uncovered 20g of MDMA as well as a stash of cash.
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Three men inside the car were arrested including a 23-year-old Tamworth man; a 19-year-old man from Westdale in Tamworth; as well as a 22-year-old Muswellbrook man.
Police then raided three homes in Tamworth and Muswellbrook. During the raids, police claim they seized 488g of what they allege is cannabis; four capsules and two tablets of MDMA; as well as an amount of cash and a baton, which is an illegal weapon.
A 31-year-old man from East Tamworth was arrested, along with a 24-year-old Tamworth man.
The men were taken to police stations in Tamworth and Muswellbrook and subsequently questioned by investigators.
FIVE CHARGED
On Friday, police confirmed a 23-year-old Tamworth man is alleged to be the ringleader of the group.
He is charged with large commercial drug supply; recruiting a person under the age of 16 to supply a commercial quantity of drugs; ongoing drug supply; and knowingly direct the activities of a criminal group. If found guilty of the offences, he faces up to 20 years' imprisonment.
He was refused bail and will appear in Muswellbrook Local Court today.
The 19-year-old Westdale man was charged with participating in a criminal group; and owner or occupier knowingly allow premises to be used as drug premises.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Tamworth Local Court in early-January.
The 31-year-old East Tamworth man is accused of supplying a prohibited drug; dealing with the property that is the suspected proceeds of crime; two counts of possessing drugs; and possessing a prohibited weapon.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Tamworth Local Court in early-January.
The 24-year-old Tamworth man was charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Tamworth Local Court in early-January.
The 22-year-old Muswellbrook man was charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime; possessing ammunition without holding a licence; and two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court later this month.