Five people have been charged with drug offences following an operation in the Snowy Mountains region yesterday.
Around 7:30am on Tuesday, 27 August, police executed three search warrants in Cooma.
At a business on Sharp Street, officers seized nearly 24,000 cigarettes, over 180 vapes, and close to 6kg of loose tobacco leaf, with an estimated street value exceeding $48,000. A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with 13 offences, including seven counts of recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime and five counts of illegal wholesale supply of therapeutic substances.
A 29-year-old man was arrested at a showground on Boundary Street, where police seized cocaine. Later, officers searched a home on Buchan Parade, discovering cocaine, ketamine, a large sum of cash, and a replica military-style firearm. The man was charged with 12 offences, including supplying prohibited drugs and possessing an unauthorised firearm.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at a supermarket on Commissioner Street. Shortly after, a search at a home on Namala Street led to the seizure of drugs and items allegedly used in drug supply. The man was charged with six offences.
A 19-year-old woman was arrested at a school on Baroona Avenue and charged with supplying prohibited drugs.
A 29-year-old man was arrested at a licensed premises on Vale and Massie Street and also charged with supplying prohibited drugs.
Southern Operations Manager, Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie, said the operation has significantly impacted the alleged drug supply in the Monaro Police District.
“This is a great result for the Cooma region and surrounds. We have charged five people who we will allege are involved in the ongoing supply of cocaine, cannabis and illegal tobacco in the area for several months,” Detective Superintendent Beattie said.
““The community can be assured we are doing everything we can to charge those responsible and bring them before the courts. This is a warning that if you are involved in the alleged sale of prohibited drugs, you will be caught and brought before the courts.”
