John Barry Carruthers dialled into Tamworth Local Court earlier this week when defence solicitor Malcolm Carr confirmed the case was ready to proceed to the district court.

Prosecuting solicitor Rayshele Martin from the DPP told the court several firearm and drug charges levelled against the accused had been withdrawn, while others had been listed as related allegations.

"Yes, we agree with that Your Honour," Mr Carr said.

Carruthers pleaded guilty to the single charge of supplying a prohibited drug in a commercial quantity.

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"I'll enter that plea of guilty," magistrate Julie Soars told the court.

Mr Carr said lawyers were working towards a date in mid-October for Carruthers to be arraigned in Tamworth District Court, where he is expected to formally enter pleas and be handed a date for sentencing.

Carruthers is on bail to live in Sydney, and Ms Soars continued his strict conditions.

Carruthers was arrested by a secret squad of Oxley police late last year.

Strike Force Kunderbung officers allege that illicit drugs, particularly ice, were being moved from the Central Coast to Tamworth, Manilla and Barraba.

Two co-accused were also charged and remain before the court, and had their cases called in Tamworth alongside Carruthers.

Glenn Mervyn Hanrahan and Timothy John Brooks remain behind bars.

Hanrahan appeared via video link and the court heard two of his charges had been confirmed, supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity; and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

Two allegations were withdrawn and more than a dozen were listed as alternative offences.

Ms Soars adjourned the matter for lawyers to discuss issues before it returned to court in October.

Brooks' case was adjourned for two weeks to finalise agreed facts, and Ms Soars noted the matter "may be resolving".

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