Two men charged over alleged cocaine supply in the Wollongong area

Police have arrested two men today following investigations into an alleged drug supply operation in Wollongong.

TWO men have been charged with drug offences after police allegedly discovered cocaine, an unregistered firearm, ammunition and a poker machine at a Balgownie home today (Tuesday March 30).

The 51-year-old man, arrested in Market Street Wollongong, and a 47-year-old man, arrested at Fairy Meadow, have been charged following investigations into an alleged drug supply operation in Wollongong.

In October 2019, Strike Force Jacquie was established by detectives to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the Wollongong area. Following extensive investigations, strike force officers arrested the two men over their alleged involvement in the supply of cocaine throughout the region.

Shortly after 9am today (Tuesday March 31), detectives went to a business on Market Street, Wollongong, and arrested the 51-year-old man. Officers allegedly found and seized cocaine and MDMA.

About 10.30am, a second man – aged 47 – was arrested at a business on the Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow. The two men were taken to Wollongong Police Station.

A short time later, a search warrant was executed at the home of the 51-year-old man in Balgownie, where cocaine, the unregistered firearm, ammunition and poker machine were found.

The 47-year-old man was charged with 11 counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of knowingly take part in supply prohibited drug and fraud. The 51-year-old man was charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug.

The men were refused bail and are before the courts.

A 40-year-old man also attended Wollongong Police Station, where he was issued with a Future Court Attendance Notice relating to an alleged fraudulent transaction that occurred at the business of the 47-year-old man.

Police will allege the 47-year-old man falsified invoices for work not undertaken, while the 40-year-old man made fraudulent claims to an insurance company.

Wollongong Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth said the role of the community in coming forward with information cannot be overstated.

“I would like to thank those members of the community that came forward and provided us with vital information that assisted with the arrest of these people for drug offences,” Inspector Ainsworth said.

“We will continue to target those engaging in the supply of illegal drugs, and we anticipate further arrests will be made as part of this strike force activity.

“Anyone engaged in these activities is more than welcome to come forward now and save yourselves the embarrassment of being arrested at your workplace.”

Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected to be made.

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