Police executed five warrants in the Riverina on Wednesday, charging eight people.
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As part of investigations, 25 alleged offenders have been identified in a wide-spread drug bust in Leeton and surrounding areas in an operation focusing on the illicit supply of prohibited drugs.
Police from Griffith Local Area Command were assisted by police from Wagga, Albury, Cootamundra, Denilquin and as they executed five search warrants.
Police say the warrants mark the culmination of Strike Force Walther, an operation run by detectives from Griffith into the illicit supply of prohibited drugs in the Leeton area.
Police say the operation itself was a concentrated effort run on a geographic basis over a past few months.
The alleged offenders have been identified during the course of the operation as suppliers of prohibited drugs including ice (methylamphetamine), cocaine, MDMA and cannabis.
A number of those identified include people charged with similar offences previously, but also people who had no previous brushes with the law.
Police say the operation has raised concerns after identifying alleged offenders from all demographics in society.
Griffith Local Area Commander Detective Superintendent Michael Rowan said those who were involved with the supply were “scourges” on the community.
“if you supply prohibited drugs, then you are a criminal,” he said.
“Your actions exacerbate the health of individuals, and the communities where we live. You are a scourge on society who profit from users, you will be targeted, and I make no apology for that.”
He also urged those who were users of prohibited drugs to seek the assistance of the Department of Health or other agencies.
Detective Superintendent Rowan said only a third of the alleged offenders had been arrested and charged so far.
“If you are a supplier of prohibited drugs in Leeton then expect a knock on your door,” he said.
“I would also remind members of the public that we take dealing of prohibited drugs seriously and if you have any information concerning those committing offences then please do not hesitate to contact police. Be assured these operations will continue.”
A number of people charged have been bail refused by police and will be appearing at Griffith Local Court at a later date.
