Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command have charged a number of men following investigations into illegal firearm and drug activity in the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens areas.

Strike Force Barsdell commenced in January, and culminated in the arrest of five men for offences ranging from firearm possession and supply, to supply a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.

A total of five search warrants were executed, commencing on 16 January, 2015 where a search of a North Belmont premises allegedly uncovered a firearm and a quantity of drugs.

A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with possess firearm and drug possession. He will appear in Belmont Local Court in 6 May 2015.

Another warrant was executed on Monday 27 April, 2015 at a Boolaroo premises, where police allegedly located cash, a vehicle, and a quantity of amphetamine.

A 30-year-old man was arrested and charged with ongoing supply of firearms and ongoing supply of prohibited drug. He was refused bail and will appear at Belmont Local Court on 10 June, 2015.

A third warrant was executed on 27 April, 2015, at a premises in Broadmeadow. Police allegedly located a quantity of amphetamine, ammunition and other property. A-24-year-old man was arrested and charged with supply firearm, possess firearm, possess ammunition, custody of a knife, and drive while suspended.

He was refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court on 6 May, 2015.

The fourth and fifth warrants were executed on Tuesday 28 April, 2015, at a residential and a business premises in Hamilton. At these locations police seized a quantity of cannabis, cash and a Taser. A 71-year-old man was arrested and charged with supply commercial quantity of drug and supply indictable quantity of drug.

The man was refused bail and will appear at Newcastle Local Court on 6 May, 2015.

On Wednesday 29 April, 2015 investigators also searched a property at Salt Ash and seized a further two firearms linked to this investigation.

Lake Macquarie Commander, Superintendent Brett Greentree, said local police officers were committed to reducing drug supply in the area.

“We are extremely pleased with this result. Arresting and charging those who engage in the supply of illicit drugs and firearms is a primary priority for our local area command and our investigations into these criminal enterprises will continue,” Supt Greentree said.

“In total, we seized 195 grams of amphetamine, 10kg of cannabis, over $250,000 in cash, seven firearms and a Taser. This is a very pleasing result.”