NSW Police have arrested a pub licensee as part of investigations into alleged drug supply activity ahead of a major horse racing event in the Hunter Valley this weekend.
The licensee of the Thoroughbred Hotel in Scone is among three men arrested on drug supply charges, following what police have described as an "extensive investigation".
The Scone Cup starts tomorrow and is one of the biggest horse racing events in the state, attracting thousands of visitors to the small Upper Hunter town.
Officers from Strike Force Bunks, which was established by Hunter Valley police in December 2021, swooped on Wednesday.
There is no suggestion the arrests are linked to this week’s massive cocaine haul at the Port of Newcastle.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the Thoroughbred Hotel about 3pm, before the premises was searched as well as two homes in the Scone area.
Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer told the ABC that the police will allege that the man was involved in the supply of cocaine "on an ongoing basis in the Scone area".
"It became evident to us that the cocaine seized by police yesterday was destined for supply and use over the course of the next few days, coinciding with the Scone Cup," he said.
Forensic testing
Police say a number of items were seized and will undergo forensic examination.
The man is facing six charges including drug possession and supply, and police will also allege he was supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, and permitted the sale of drugs at the licensed premises.
Det. Insp. Zimmer said the seized substance was undergoing forensic testing to determine its purity, and will allege the amount is a "greater than an indictable quantity".
Earlier arrests
Meanwhile, Surry Hills detectives arrested two men, aged 30 and 42, at a local hotel earlier on Wednesday.
During a subsequent search of the men, who police say are also from Scone, police will allege they located cocaine and cannabis, which were seized for forensic examination.
The pair was charged with supply and possession offences and granted bail.
The three men will appear in Scone Local Court next month.
