A man has been charged with drug supply offences following a three-month investigation in the Hunter.

In March 2021, officers attached to the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) established Strike Force Bunjil to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs, mainly methylamphetamine, in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

Following extensive inquiries, officers stopped a Toyota Hilux on James Street, Windale, about 8.30am yesterday (Thursday 17 June) and spoke with the driver – a 55-year-old man.

During a search of the vehicle, police located and seized methylamphetamine from within a concealed compartment of the Hilux.

The man was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.

Following his arrest, police applied for and executed three search warrants at properties in Windale and Belmont and a storage unit in Belmont, where they located and seized more than $180,000 cash, methylamphetamine, cannabis, two electronic stun devices and a vehicle believed to be purchased with the proceeds of crime.

The Windale man was charged with 11 offences including supply large commercial quantity drug, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, take part supply commercial quantity prohibited drug, organises/conducts/assists drug premises and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Friday 18 June).

Investigations under Strike Force Bunjil are ongoing.

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