Three men have been arrested following an ongoing police operation targeting an alleged drug supply syndicate in the Newcastle area.

Strike Force Rupas, comprising of detectives from Newcastle City, Central Hunter and Lake Macquarie, was formed to investigate the supply of illicit drugs.

Following ongoing investigations, yesterday (Friday 11 September 2015) officers from Strike Force Rupas arrested three men and executed three search warrants at Cameron Park, Speers Point and Cardiff.

At these locations, officers seized 19 firearms; consisting of high powered rifles, shortened firearms, a handgun and ammunition, as well as 4700 ecstasy pills, approx 40 grams of methyl-amphetamine and a clandestine lab.

Just after 10am a 25-year-old Speers Point man was arrested in Glendale. A short time later, a 33-year-old Cameron Park man was arrested in Rutherford, and in the afternoon a 46 old male from Cardiff was arrested at his address.

The 25-year-old man was charged with supplying a prohibited drug (x5), attempt to acquire prohibited pistol and direct criminal syndicate. He was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Court Local Court today (Saturday 12 September 2015).

The 33-year-old man was charged with supply greater than commercial quantity of amphetamine, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis and direct criminal syndicate. He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Saturday 12 September 2015).

The 46-year-old man was charged with 13 firearms offences. He has been bailed refused to attend Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 12 September 2015).

Their arrests follow the arrest and charge of eleven men by officers attached to Strike Force Rupas over the previous months.

Investigations are continuing concerning a clandestine laboratory located at the Cardiff premises. All items will undergo forensic examinations.

Newcastle City Investigation Coordinator, Detective Inspector Peter Mahon, said that these arrests follow extensive investigations into the supply of drugs and possession of firearms in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland areas.

“Yesterday’s results; including the arrest of the three men, the discovery of a clandestine laboratory, and the seizure of the drugs and firearms, come as a result of extensive investigations by officers from Strike Force Rupas.

“These arrests and seizures are a significant step in stopping the supply of illicit drugs and unauthorised possession of firearms in Newcastle and surrounding areas.

“Our officers will continue to investigate those who take part in the supply of drugs and more arrests will follow,” Det Insp Mahon said.