Brandon Reed charged with Tamworth drug supply, sixth person arrested as part of Strike Force Delaney

Brandon Reed fronted Tamworth Local Court following his arrest by investigators from Strike Force Delaney – an undercover operation set-up by local police to disrupt an alleged ice supply ring.

Detectives will allege 23-year-old Reed supplied more than 50g of methylamphetamine, or ice, between June and September in West Tamworth.

He’s the sixth arrest as part of the operation which was set-up by Oxley rural crime officers and the Tamworth Target Action Group (TAG).

Reed was arrested at Tamworth Police Station and is facing 10 drug supply charges and one count of dealing with the suspected proceeds of crime.

According to court documents, police allege Reed was dealing with more than $21,000 in cash that was sourced during criminal activity.

Reed made no application for bail and it was formally refused by magistrate Roger Prowse.

Reed will remain in custody until the case returns to court in December, after police have compiled a brief of evidence on the charges.

Oxley Detective Sergeant Jason Darcy told The Leader more arrests are expected.

“This was a protracted and complex investigation that involved a lot of police resources and has seen six men arrested and placed before the courts,” he said.

“This investigation was led by Oxley Rural Crime detectives and our Target Action Group who are committed to disrupting the supply of ice into our local communities.

“Investigations by Strike Force Delaney continue and we expect to make further arrests.

“We would encourage anyone with information on rural crime activity or drug supply to please contact Oxley police and we can investigate.”

Strike Force Delaney was set-up in early-2017 to investigate the supply of drugs in the Tamworth area, particularly in the local rodeo circuit.

Co-accused Ben Woodard and Leigh Weyman – the alleged ringleaders – are facing life behind bars if convicted 

Woodard, 32, is accused of dealing in more than $200,000 in cash that Oxley detectives allege is the proceeds of crime, and supplying more than 1.1kg of the drug ice.

Former bullrider Jordan Lane-Robb and Tyler Jones remain on conditional bail on drug supply charges, while co-accused Jason Luke Ritchie remains bail refused.