Ecstasy, guns and cash seized
POLICE made a number of arrests and seized hundreds of ecstasy pills following an extensive drug operation carried out in Cooma.
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Officers from the Monaro Local Area Command (LAC) arrested 15 people on Wednesday, September 10, with a number of suspects found to be in possession of more than 500 ecstasy tablets between them.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Cooma at 4.50am, where it is alleged he was in possession of 500 methamphetamine tablets.
Monaro LAC officers commenced their investigations in May this year, targeting the supply of prohibited drugs in Cooma and across the Snowy Mountains.
Since the investigation was launched, more than 1000 blue "Batman" ecstasy tablets have been seized at various locations across the state.
The haul is believed to have a street value of nearly $300,000.
Monaro LAC Superintendent, Rod Smith, said Wednesday's raids were the first phase in cracking an extensive local drug ring.-
"Today's execution of search warrants and the arrests of these 15 people today is a direct result of the operation we have run since May," Superintendent Smith said.-
"We certainly have evidence there was a significant amount of drugs being sold in and around this area."-
"There are people charged with supplying large commercial quantities of drugs. Today we have seen in excess of half a kilogram of cannabis seized."-
Eleven search warrants were executed with officers uncovering four firearms, a large amount of cash, illegal fauna including a snake, and war medals.-
Just after 7am on Wednesday, officers attended a Bombala Street premises where a 20-year-old man was arrested with 50 ecstasy tablets in his possession.-
Superintendent Smith described the drug operation as "sophisticated" and "complex", indicating investigations are ongoing.-
"This is all about making the area a safer place," Superintendent Smith said.-
"I'm particularly pleased to get a large bulk of drugs off the street, the police involved have done a fantastic job.-
"Prior today we arrested four other people, two in Sutton and two in Sydney for some very serious drug offences. We've got some way too go yet, 43 targets are identified in this operation."
