A major police operation targeting alleged drug supply activities has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Kiama man, along with three others from across New South Wales. The operation, led by the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad under "Strike Force Ashgill," conducted coordinated raids across the state on Wednesday, November 13.

In the early morning, police officers from Strike Force Ashgill, with support from the Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed search warrants in multiple locations, including Kiama, Cowra, Macquarie Fields, and St Marys. During the Kiama raid, officers arrested the 30-year-old man, who was subsequently taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station. He faces 14 charges related to drug supply, possessing an unauthorised firearm, and dealing with property proceeds of crime. Police also allege he directed a criminal group, knowingly assisting in criminal activity. He was denied bail and appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, November 14.

The raids also led to significant seizures. Across the five locations, police allegedly confiscated over half a kilogram of methylamphetamine, 750 grams of cannabis, two ounces of cocaine, 300 heroin capsules, multiple gel blasters, ammunition, approximately $20,000 in cash, and an unexpected discovery—a snake. This haul underscores the scale and organisation of the alleged drug syndicate, which police believe was supplying drugs to central-western NSW communities.

In addition to the Kiama arrest, three other men were taken into custody. In Cowra, a 35-year-old man was charged with 17 drug-related offences and appeared in Orange Local Court on November 13. A 44-year-old man in Macquarie Fields was charged with three counts related to drug supply, handling proceeds of crime, and involvement in a criminal group; he appeared in Campbelltown Local Court the same day. Lastly, a 54-year-old man was detained during a vehicle stop in St Marys and charged with seven drug supply offences. He was also refused bail and appeared in Penrith Local Court.

Strike Force Ashgill was established in September 2024 to investigate reports of an organised drug ring allegedly operating in Cowra and surrounding areas. This latest wave of arrests follows months of intensive investigations aimed at disrupting drug distribution networks.