New cops join fight on drugs

A DEDICATED police squad will crack down on drug supply and weapons across Northern NSW from next month.

The announcement comes as police yesterday wrapped up an eradication program that resulted in $14 million of cannabis being seized, and just a week after Tweed Byron Superintendent Wayne Starling spoke publicly about drugs being a major problem in the region.

The new investigative team – which includes a sergeant and six constables – will be known as the Northern Region Enforcement Squad, and will begin operations next month.

The team will work with the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad on investigations into drug supply, firearms offences, and property crime, as well as any criminal syndicates operating in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector David Waddell said the squad’s primary focus would be supporting police districts by targeting large-scale, midlevel and serial crimes impacting communities.

“I believe this team is not only an asset for northern region police, but also a win for our community,” he said.

“The squad will act as a conduit between State Crime Command, particularly the Drug and Firearms Squad, and the Police Districts, focusing on having the highest impact on the crime types which most effect the everyday lives of residents and businesses.”

Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter McErlain, said the cannabis investigation would continue in Northern NSW.

“The obvious priority is to target the supply chain and associated criminal enterprises, or any activity that threatens the safety of the community,” he said.