POLICE claim they've smashed a drug ring after a secret sting that spanned 19 months.
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The alleged ringleaders for what police have called a criminal network operating out of Moree have been refused bail after officers swooped on Thursday night.
In November 2018, the New England Target Action Group (TAG) launched Strike Force Helmich to home in on those suspected of dealing drugs across the town.
The strike force unfolded with raids and a series of arrests on Thursday night in Dover and Balo streets.
Police claim they seized methylamphetamine, cannabis, cash and other drug paraphernalia.
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A couple, aged in their fifiies, was arrested in Adelaide Street and taken to Moree police station for questioning.
The 51-year-old man is accused of five counts of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis - a charge that carries a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment.
He's also accused of two counts of supplying a prohibited drug that's more than an indictable quantity; knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group; and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
The 52-year-old woman is facing three charges of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis; another charge of supplying drugs; and owner or occupier knowingly us it as a drug premises.
They've both been refused bail.
A 50-year-old man is also in custody on charges of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime; and supplying prohibited drugs.
FURTHER ARRESTS
During the 19-month investigation, several people were also intercepted by police.
Three people have already been dealt with by the courts, while five others remain on charges in Moree and Sydney courts.
They include a 48-year-old man who was charged on June 5 with supplying a prohibited drug; knowingly deal ing with the proceeds of crime; possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm; and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.
The man remains bail refused and will front court against in Moree in August.
A 25-year-old woman who was charged on the same date facts three counts of possessing a prohibited drug. She was granted conditional bail to appear in Moree court in July.
A 50-year-old man who was charged with possessing a prohibited drug in February; and a 31-year-old woman charged with the same offence in April.
Both are due to front Parramatta Local Court later this month.
POLICE MAKE 'NO APOLOGIES'
New England Superintendent Scott Tanner said police made no apologies for targeting those involved in drug supply across the district.
"These arrests demonstrate the incredible disregard drug suppliers have for the wider community, their neighbours and even their families," he said.
"The investigators attached to Strike Force Helmich have worked tirelessly over the past 19 months, showing great focus and diligence in identifying and charging those before the court.
"Many have made personal sacrifices to effect the arrests of these offenders."
Superintendent Tanner said the persistence of officers had paid off with the seizures and the number of arrests.
"It is another example of the commitment that New England police have to reducing organised crime and protecting our community," he said.