A man has been charged with more than 25 offences as part of investigations into an alleged drug supply operation in the state’s Central North yesterday.

In July 2020, detectives from Central North Police District established Strike Force Langmead to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in Lightning Ridge and surrounding areas.

Following extensive investigations, strike force officers, assisted by the Central North Police District Proactive Crime Team, Crime Management Unit and Lightning Ridge general duties, executed two search warrants at homes in Lightning Ridge on Tuesday 3 August 2021.

Officers located and seized an unregistered pistol, shortened bolt action rifle, air rifle, browning rifle and ammunition at a home on Wooloroo Road and cannabis plants and leaf at a home on Potch Street. These items will undergo forensic examination.

One of the many firearms seized at the Lightning Ridge home. Photo courtesy of NSW Police.

About 1.20pm, officers also stopped a vehicle on Wooloroo Road, Lightning Ridge, due to checks revealing the car was unregistered and carrying an unsecure load.

A 40-year-old man was arrested taken to Lightning Ridge Police Station where he was charged with 27 offences including;

• attempt dispose property-theft
• supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis
• supply prohibited drug x 8
• possess unregistered firearm x 4
• not keep firearm safely x 4
• supply shortened firearm x 2
• possess shortened firearm
• deal with property proceeds of crime
• possess ammunition
• possess more than 3 unregistered firearms
• use vehicle in contravention of minor defect notice
• use unregistered registrable class A motor vehicle, and
• drive/tow vehicle with unsecured load

He was refused bail to appear at Bourke Local Court on Wednesday 4 August, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Walgett Local Court on Tuesday 14 September 2021.

Investigations under Strike Force Langmead are continuing. If you suspect a person in your community is supplying prohibited drugs, contact your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Investigators welcome information from the community regarding the description of vehicles used to courier drugs, the identity of people who are suspected of supplying drugs and the names of those people who are suspected of buying drugs.