SEARCHES in cells at Cessnock jail have been conducted as part of a crackdown on inmates affiliated with an outlaw motorcycle gang.
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Officers from the Criminal Groups Squad's Strike Force Raptor joined Corrective Services NSW officers in a one-day operation police said was designed "to disrupt and suppress further criminal acts".
Searches were carried out at Goulburn, Parklea, Cessnock, Silverwater, Oberon and Junee.
Officers will allege they found prescription drugs hidden in kitchen equipment in Goulburn.
Three inmates were also allegedly found in possession of prescribed restricted substances during the operation, police said.
Police said on Sunday they expected to lay charges as their inquiries continue.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Deb Wallace said partnerships like the one between Strike Force Raptor and Corrective Services NSW could be crucial in breaking up criminal enterprises.
The community should take comfort in the fact we are weakening outlaw motorcycle gangs and causing disruption to their criminal groups while they attempt to recruit or commit other offences while in custody, Detective Superintendent Wallace said.
Strike Force Raptor is relentless in pursuing outlaw motorcycle gangs and will use all available law enforcement methods to disable their criminal activities.
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the work of the officers involved had been exemplary.
This successful operation required a well-planned, coordinated approach involving our elite Security Operations Group and correctional centre staff," Mr Severin said.
"It was a job well done."
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009. Its work is designed to prevent and disrupt conflict between criminal organisations and dismantle their networks.
Its intelligence-based, high-impact operations have included dismantling outlaw motorcycle gang club houses in parts of the Hunter in recent years.
Investigators are urging anyone with information, particularly videos and photos, that may assist in their inquiries to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report directly to investigators at https://www1.police.nsw.gov.
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Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
