TWO women at the centre of an alleged drug ring have been denied bail in court, while another co-accused has been released with a long list of conditions.
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Kara Jane Symington, 34, and Katherine Anne Murray, 50, had their bids for release refused in Armidale Local Court on Friday, the day after co-accused James Robert Poulton, 41, was ordered into custody.
Together with Matthew James Watson - who was granted bail on Friday - the four are accused of supplying on an ongoing basis, a charge that carries 20 years' imprisonment, if found guilty.
Poulton stands accused of 45 charges, Symington faces 26 allegations and Murray faces 25 offences, including supplying more than an indictable quantity of drugs. Watson, 30, faces 10 charges.
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During separate bail applications, magistrate Roger Prowse found both women were an unacceptable risk of failing to appear at court; committing a serious offence; and endangering the safety of the community, and consequently ordered them to remain in custody.
Poulton made no bid for bail, while Watson has been bailed to live in Armidale under house arrest. He's only allowed out to go to pre-arranged Narcotic Anonymous meetings or court.
He's banned from possessing or using a mobile phone or landline; he's prohibited from drinking alcohol or taking drugs; contacting his co-accused; and must always answer the door when police come knocking to check.
All four have been ordered to reappear in court again in February after police serve the brief of evidence.
A 51-year-old man faces four drug supply matters and was granted bail by police to front court in January.
The arrests came after New England police launched a strike force to home in on those involved in the supply of drugs like ice, across Armidale and surrounding areas.
On Thursday morning, it unfolded with raids in Rowan Street in Uralla and Barney Street in Armidale, where police uncovered 125g of what they claim is methylamphetamine, or ice, and $33,000 in cash.
The search warrants were the culmination of an eight-month secret investigation, and five others - including two men and three women - have already been charged with assault, kidnapping, driving, and drug supply offences.
Lawrence Daniel Tafra and Anthony Craig Westaway are behind bars, while Sarah Janet Westaway remains on bail and all three had their cases adjourned this week in Armidale Local Court.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
