ONE of the men first arrested as part of an alleged Tamworth drug ring has admitted to supplying ecstasy, while another has denied dealing charges.
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Dilan James Bateman appeared in Tamworth Local Court for the first time on Monday - one of three co-accused who had their cases listed.
Shawn William Foxe, 31, pleaded guilty to two charges but denied three others; while Beau Dean Hoars, 19, did not appear on Monday morning.
The trio were arrested last year by Strike Force Heyward officers as part of a police sting targeting the Tamworth party drug scene.
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In court, Bateman, 24, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying a prohibited drug of less than an indictable quantity, namely MDMA, or ecstasy.
After the pleas, magistrate Mark Richardson ordered a background assessment report be prepared ahead of sentencing in February.
Bateman also had his bail varied; he must report to police twice a week and live at an address in North Tamworth.
He's prohibited from contacting his co-accused and prosecution witnesses; entering any licensed premises; consuming alcohol or illicit drugs; or committing any offences while on bail.
East Tamworth's Foxe pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a prohibited drug; and another of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit.
Legal Aid solicitor Rae Parker said her client would deny charges of supplying a prohibited drug of less than an indictable quantity; dealing with the proceeds of crime; and possessing a prohibited drug.
Police must serve the brief of evidence on Foxe's defence before the case returns to court in mid-February.
Foxe remains on conditional bail.
Westdale's Hoars did not appear by 10.45am and Mr Richardson ordered that he attend on the next occasion or he would issue a warrant for his arrest.
Hoars is charged with participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity; as well as being an owner or occupier knowingly allowing a house to be used as a drug premises.
Hoars remains on bail and must front court next week.
The trio were arrested on December 5. Hoars was arrested in a vehicle stop by police in Muswellbrook with alleged ringleader and co-accused, Corey Cutmore.
Foxe and Bateman were arrested in Tamworth after raids on properties in Mayne Drive and Armidale Road.
As part of the operation, 12 people are facing a combined 64 offences, including ongoing supply and large commercial supply of MDMA, or ecstasy as it's commonly known.
The operation is led by the Oxley Target Action Group and was set up to target the party drug scene in and around licensed premises in Tamworth.
The investigation then widened and people have been charged as far away as the Hunter, Port Stephens and Armidale. Police confirmed last week there were still more arrests to come.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
