NSW: Operation nets drugs and drink drivers

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2001
NSW: Operation nets drugs and drink drivers

SYDNEY, April 2 AAP - Cannabis with a potential street value of more than $750,000
was seized in a wide-ranging police blitz of regional New South Wales that ended today.

Operation Swainsboro, which began on March 29, targeted the Barrier Highway at Cobar
in the western plains, the Sturt Highway at Hay and the Hume Highway at Holbrook, both
in the state's south.

The joint operation, involving the western and southern rivers police regions, focused
on the movement of illegal drugs and targeted drink drivers.

It resulted in 13 drink-driving charges, 82 drug offences - including the possession
of cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy tablets - and the issue of 84 traffic infringement
notices.

Police said almost 75kg of cannabis was seized, including 35kg from a heavy vehicle
at Hay, 32.5 grams of amphetamines and $21,300 in cash.

Operation commander Inspector Michael White said the results of the operation spoke
for themselves.

"The large concentration of police in locations which normally do not receive such
attention should send a clear message that we are prepared to move our resources to suit
the situation," he said.

"Similar operations are already planned between the different police regions and with
police from other states."

AAP las/rp/was

KEYWORD: DRUGS

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.