THREE people will face court after Lake Macquarie arrests police say stem from investigations into a criminal syndicate accused of supplying drugs online through the dark web.
Strike Force Alaine was formed in May last year, tasking detectives from the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad to investigate drug supply in Lake Macquarie.
On Tuesday afternoon their inquiries culminated with searches at two properties at Swansea and a third in Caves Beach.
In Lakeside Drive police arrested a man, 47, and a 42-year-old woman. They were taken to Belmont police station.
Officers also arrested a 30-year-old man at a George Street property, taking him to Toronto police station.
The pair arrested in Swansea were each charged with three counts of knowing supply psychoactive substance for human consumption, eight counts of supply prohibited drug more than indictable amount, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, knowingly or recklessly direct criminal group assist crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Both were refused bail to face court on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old man was charged with three counts of knowingly supply psychoactive substance for human consumption, eight counts of supply prohibited drug more than indictable amount, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
He received conditional bail and will face court a week later, on April 20, in Belmont.
"During subsequent searches, police located and seized more than 100 litres of THC-based chemicals, 15kg of lollipops believed to be laced with a prohibited drug, electronic devices, and other items relevant to investigations," NSW Police said in a statement.
"Police will allege in court that all three were involved in the supply and distribution of prohibited drugs on the dark web, including E-cigarettes which contained synthetic cannabinoids or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)."
The items seized in the raids will be examined.
Cybercrime Squad commander Detective Acting Superintendent Gordon Arbinja said the investigation had identified more than $1.6 million in cryptocurrency allegedly flow to the three people arrested.
"These arrests should serve as a warning to those using the internet to conceal criminal activity: your anonymity is not guaranteed, and you aren't outside the reach of law enforcement," he said.
"Cybercrime Squad investigators will continue to work closely with local police across the state to investigate any incidents of online drug supply and disrupt those activities."
