Inmate charged over alleged role in prison drug ring - Strike Force Wessex

Thursday, 22 August 2024 12:57:19 PM

Criminal Groups Squad detectives have charged an inmate for his alleged role in a drug supply syndicate operating in a correctional centre in the Hunter region.

In April 2023, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad launched an investigation into drug supply using run or ‘dial-a-dealer’ phones across Sydney.

During the investigation, detectives identified a syndicate operating within a correctional centre in Cessnock.

Two men were arrested earlier this year and four others – two men and two women – were arrested earlier this month with all six remaining before the court.

Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 35-year-old man at a correctional facility in Cessnock yesterday (Wednesday 21 August 2024), before taking him to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and two counts of supply prohibited drug.

The man was refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court yesterday.

Detectives will allege in court the man received drugs during contact visits and sold them in the correctional facility. The estimated street value of the drugs supplied was $24,000.

Investigations under Strike Force Wessex continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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