The senior constable was taken to Tamworth hospital after the incident in Anthony Road on Thursday morning, during a one-day operation to catch wanted suspects on warrants.

Oxley Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy didn't mince his words and said the incident was "disgusting".

"This just shows the dangers of the job our officers face everyday," he said.

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"In this incident, it was an uncapped needle that had been used to inject ice, and the officer was trying to arrest this wanted suspect who we allege was affected by the drug.

"This is why we make appeals for the community to dob in dealers and those who are using these dangerous drugs so we can take them off the streets."

The officer was taken to Tamworth hospital, and treated and has undergone testing. He has since been released while the results are pending.

Oxley Target Action Group (TAG) lead the charge in the police operation which saw three men arrested in the Anthony Road area, while another one wanted on warrants was captured in Oxley Vale.

"A 17-year-old Tamworth male had eight outstanding warrants and a resist arrest charge laid after his arrest in the operation," Detective Darcy said.

"Another 26-year-old was charged withing hindering police after his arrest in West Tamworth, while a male, aged 42, was charged with two outstanding warrants including revocation of parole.

"Another male that was arrested, who was wanted on parole warrants, was taken into custody in Oxley Vale."

Detective Darcy said the operation was designed to crack down on targets.

"Wanted offenders who breach bail conditions or court orders or have warrants out for their arrest will be targeted by police; we make no apologies for that," Detective Darcy said.

"These snap operations will continue to ensure that those on bail, on parole, or bonds are complying and staying out of trouble."

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