The Orana Mid-Western Police District Target Action Group (TAG) attended licensed premises in Coonamble, Armatree and Dubbo.

Crime coordinator sergeant Jill Gibson said district police were supported by a Sydney drug dog unit.

“During the operation 448 persons were searched, 10 people were arrested for drug offences with 1.9 grams of cocaine being seized in total,” Sgt. Gibson said. 

Cannabis, MDMA and Methamphetamine were also seized. 

 “It was an excellent operation run by the TAG operations group and supported by the drug dog unit from Sydney,” Sgt. Gibson said. 

“Overall licensed premises were receptive to police being there and we thank them for their cooperation.

“We have ongoing drug dogs operations in licensed premises as part of our effort in tacking alcohol-related crime and drugs on the streets.”

Each person found with illicit substances was issued a court attendance notice and are scheduled to appear in court in the next month.

“Drug dogs are just one of the many tools we will continue to utilise to reduce the sale, supply and use of drugs in the Orana Mid Western Police District,” commander superintendent Peter McKenna said. 

“It is very concerning that young people in particular are taking substances that they don’t know how it was made, what it contains and how they will react to it. It is a very dangerous practice and the reality is that people die from it. 

“We will continue the fight against illicit drugs in our community and encourage any member of the community who has any information about drug suppliers to come forward and report it to police, whether it be through their local police station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”