POLICE Commissioner Andrew Scipione has praised the work of local police for their role in Strike Force Oceanic.
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The operation saw close to $15 million worth of illicit drugs seized and 12 people arrested, including four Eurobodalla men, last month.
The operation began two years ago when Far South Coast Local Area Command (FSC LAC) detectives from the drug squad and investigators formed the Strike Force to investigate a major drug supply syndicate operating throughout southern NSW.
Police allege the syndicate was involved in the production, distribution and sale of commercial quantities of methylamphetamine (ice) and cannabis.
Speaking at his visit to the Moruya Police Station on Friday, Mr Scipione said it was important that the operation was started, and finished, by local police from the FSC.
“That’s an operation which has been years in the making,” he said.
“These police down here have been working on it tirelessly, without anyone knowing.
“It’s difficult to give them a pat on the back when the community can’t pat them on the back - they don’t know that it’s happening until it’s happened.”
Mr Scipione said the operation had a big impact on the drugs market state-wide, particularly in the southern region.
“You’ve got some very capable detectives to put an operation like that together,” he said.
“The depth and width and breadth of it - very impressive.
“Those operations make a real dent in the drug trade.”
He said drug supply, use and possession, was a major focus in policing.
“It’s a focus because it’s an issue to us that we need to stay on top of,” Mr Scipione said.
FSC LAC Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter O’Brien, said Strike Force Oceanic inquiries were continuing.