Hawker man to face court on five counts of trafficking heroin
A 47-year-old Hawker man will face the ACT Magistrate’s Court today (Monday, 2 March, 2020) charged with five counts of trafficking heroin.
Yesterday (Sunday, 1 March) search warrants were executed at a residence in the Belconnen area, where detectives located and seized approximately 150 grams of heroin with an estimated street value of $70,000 as well as cash.
The man was arrested and charged with five counts of trafficking in a controlled drug other than cannabis. He was refused bail to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today.
This arrest is a result of an investigation by detectives from the ACT Criminal Investigations Drug and Organised Crime team, into the trafficking of heroin in the ACT.
The investigation began in October 2019, in response to an increase in drug overdose deaths in Canberra.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives identified an organised criminal network involved in supplying heroin across north Canberra.
The actions of police in this case have prevented 1400 deals of heroin from hitting the streets, and reduced the impact on ACT emergency services in responding to drug overdose deaths.
ACT Policing Detective Acting Superintendent Matthew Reynolds praised the work of detectives.
“This investigation and arrest will make a difference on Canberra’s streets,” Detective Acting Superintendent Reynold said.
“It reduces the risk to the community through the arrest of a person directly involved in the supply of heroin in Canberra.
“It will also reduce the impact on ACT Government resources, which have responded to and investigated the deaths of several people caused by the heroin supplied by the man arrested.”
ACT Policing is committed to targeting people who seek to profit from the supply of controlled drugs within the ACT.
Police urge anyone who may have any information about illicit drugs to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au