The estranged brother of a police minister has has been charged with drug offences after he was allegedly found with methylamphetamine.
NSW Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley revealed her brother was arrested in Newcastle following a vehicle search on Friday night.
Officers allegedly found 8.06g of methylamphetamine, cash and cannabis during the search in the suburb of Jesmond, NSW Police said in a statement.
The 62-year-old driver was charged with suppling a prohibited drug and three counts of possessing a prohibited drug.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on March 11.
In a statement, Ms Catley revealed the NSW Police Commissioner had called her to confirm the man was her estranged brother.
"He was charged with a number of offences. His case is now before the courts and there is nothing more I can add," she said on Saturday.
Speaking broadly about the issue of drug use, Ms Catley said addiction was a blight on society and could inflict incalculable damage on families.
"Drugs destroy relationships, even the closest family bonds," she said.
Ms Catley said she had disclosed her family situation to Commissioner Karen Webb when she took on the police portfolio.
