A RAFT of serious drug supply charges are set to be confirmed against three men accused of being part of an illegal drug ring operating in the Tamworth area and moving drugs north from the Central Coast.
John Barry Carruthers, Timothy John Brooks and Glenn Mervyn Hanrahan fronted Tamworth Local Court this week, where their matters were sent to the DPP to decide what charges the prosecution will press ahead with.
The trio are accused of being involved in an ice supply ring operating across Tamworth, Manilla and Barraba which moved the drug all the way from the Central Coast.
Hanrahan remains behind bars, charged with a host of offences including commercial drug supply.
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Police prosecutor Sergeant Rebecca Skivington told the court the brief of evidence had been served and was "compliant".
She asked magistrate Julie Soars to adjourn the matter to June so the charges against Hanrahan could be confirmed by the prosecution.
Hanrahan faces life behind bars if found guilty of large commercial ice supply; as well as two other drug dealing offences; possessing drugs; and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
The police case is that Carruthers - who is a co-accused - was a drug runner for the ring and has a dozen charges against him relating to the supply of illegal drugs as well as firearm and weapons offences.
Solicitor Malcolm Carr appeared via video link and told the court he had been served the brief of evidence, but Carruthers was excused from court.
Sergeant Skivington said the brief was compliant and Ms Soars adjourned the matter to June for charge certification.
Carruthers is the only one out of the trio who is on bail, to live on the Central Coast where he reports to police daily.
"Bail to continue," Ms Soars said.
Brooks remains in custody, charged with drug offences and being part of the alleged criminal group.
He was the only one of the trio to appear via video link in court for his mention.
"Your Honour, we are seeking an adjournment for a date for charge certification," Sergeant Skivington told the court.
Ms Soars said the case would move to the next stage and follow the same timeline as the co-accused.
"I mark Mr Brooks bail not applied for, refused today," she said.
"Righto, see youse later, have a good day," Brooks replied with a wave.
All three will return to court in mid-June.
The trio were arrested by a secret squad of Oxley police late last year.
Strike Force Kunderbung police allege that drugs, in particular ice, were being moved from the Central Coast to Barraba.
Carruthers allegedly had 112g of ice stashed in a box, hidden under his vehicle, which was stopped in Willow Tree about 7.30am en route to Barraba on December 2.
Police allege they uncovered $77,500 cash in a Fitzroy Street home in Barraba during a raid, where Hanrahan was then arrested.
Officers also raided a Rowan Street in Manilla, and Maxwell Street property in Tamworth, and have seized the drug ice, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and close to $80,000 cash as part of their investigation.
