Hunter drug syndicate supplied 80 to 130 cocaine bags weekly
Samuel Terry Neilson, 24, ran a major drug operation flooding Newcastle nightclubs with MDMA and cocaine before police shut it down.
Police allege Samuel Terry Neilson, 24, led a sophisticated drug syndicate that supplied between 80 and 130 bags of cocaine each week to Newcastle's nightclub scene, plus large quantities of MDMA. Members used encrypted apps to communicate and kept bulk drugs and cash at a Cardiff storage unit rented under a fake name.
Neilson allegedly told underlings the operation ran so smoothly he was becoming bored. Neilson admitted the money was addictive.
A two-month police investigation called Strike Force Yachats dismantled the ring. Police seized more than 6.2 kilograms of MDMA, more than $270,000 in cash, and 195 grams of cocaine.
Four men have been charged. Neilson faces 32 offences including supplying a large commercial quantity of a drug and directing a criminal group.
- 80 to 130
- Cocaine bags supplied weekly
- 6.2 kilograms
- MDMA seized
- $275,000
- Cash seized
- 24
- Ringleader's age
Why it mattersThe operation shows how organised crime networks can run drug markets in regional cities and how quickly police can dismantle them with focused investigation.
AustraliaDrug supply to Newcastle and regional NSW nightclubs has been disrupted and four people have been removed from the community pending court outcomes.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 14 h ago
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