POLICE have arrested another two people in operations targeting Wollongong drug activity.
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Arrests in Crown Street Mall and at a Mangerton unit complex on Tuesday were the products of covert police operations in play since July, involving extensive surveillance of alleged distributors at work in multiple locales.
On Tuesday the investigation took police to a unit complex in Johansen Street, Mangerton.
About 9.30am, police attached to Strike Force Textbook led a 26-year-old woman from the complex in handcuffs.
The woman faces nine charges, most relating to the supply of the drug ice. Police will allege the woman sold the drug on at least six occasions from the unit, which was found to be fortified and containing surveillance equipment.
Two hours later officers from Strike force Lewes arrested a 36-year-old man in Wollongong mall, then searched his Matthew Street, Wollongong home.
They will allege the man is a mid-level distributor, as opposed to a street-level dealer.
He is expected to be charged with at least six counts of supplying heroin, including larger quantities of up to 30 grams.
Meantime, three people arrested during simultaneous police searches of two units in a Phillips Avenue, West Wollongong, complex on Monday have faced Port Kembla Local Court.
Paul Sean Lincoln faces 12 charges, including six counts of supplying a prohibited drug, A teenage girl cried loudly from the court gallery as the 44-year-old was refused bail, Tuesday afternoon.
Magistrate Michael Stoddart noted the police case would be supported by extensive recordings. “The facts indicate that there has been quite a deal of surveillance, both electrical and physical,” he said.
Police were watching and recording Lincoln as he allegedly sold a 0.09 gram bag of heroin for $100 on July 27. The drug was seized; analysis showed it to be 66.5 per cent pure. Police recorded further alleged sales.
Lincoln’s co-accused and de facto, Desyl Ruth Buffett, faces charges relating to the supply of larger quantities of heroin, and did not apply for bail. Her case was adjourned to January 13. Paul Desmuszko, 58, was also refused bail. Police allege he was recorded supplying different amounts of heroin. The men return to court next month.
