A MAN and a woman face up to 20 years behind bars, accused of continually selling drugs while police watched.
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Mathew John Newman faces nine drug-related allegations and Karyn Lee Luxford is accused of five charges after the secret sting by New England police.
The pair were arrested in Adelaide Street in Moree on Thursday night as a 19-month police operation - code named Strike Force Helmich - unfolded with a series of raids in Dover and Balo streets.
The pair spent the night in custody after their arrest before fronting Tamworth Local Court on Friday. Both face allegations that carry up to 20 years' imprisonment, if found guilty.
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They were not required to enter pleas to the allegations and both made no bid for release.
Magistrate Roger Prowse formally refused bail, ordering the pair to stay behind bars while police prepare the brief of evidence against them.
They will both return to court in late July in Moree.
Lionel Charles McGrady appeared via video link in Tamworth court on the same day where he successfully lodged a bid for release.
The 50-year-old is facing charges of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime; and supplying prohibited drugs.
He will also return to court in late July in Moree.
As part of his conditions, McGrady has to live in Moree and must not leave home unless accompanied by a person nominated in court.
He's also banned from drinking alcohol or taking drugs and is subject to random testing by police.
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.
In Thursday's raids, the strike force claim they seized methylamphetamine, cannabis, cash and other drug paraphernalia.
Newman, 51, is accused of five counts of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis; 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.
Luxford, 52, 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.
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 four 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.