Three Charged Over Lake Macquarie Drug Supply

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have charged two men and a woman for their alleged roles in the supply of prohibited drugs across Lake Macquarie.

Following extensive inquiries launched in July this year, Strike Force Birs detectives made three arrests on Thursday morning.

Around 9 o'clock the Police Dog unit assisted officers in searching a home on Park Street at Argenton.

A short time later, a 25-year-old Barnsley man was arrested at a home on Ellesmere Street at Booragul and crime scenes were established at both addresses.

A search of the homes uncovered a slingshot, ammunition and various quantities of drugs, predominantly methamphetamine and GHB, all of which were seized by police.

A 24-year-old Teralba man and a 27-year-old Argenton woman were also arrested during investigations.

Both men have been charged with numerous drug supply offences, while the woman was charged with drug possession and possessing a prohibited weapon.

The Barnsley man has been refused bail to face court today, while his alleged associates will face court on October 16.

Strike Force Birs investigations are ongoing.

Toxic Firefighting Chemical Found at Argenton and Singleton Heights

BY IAN CROUCH AND BROOKE HEINZ

It's been revealed the same toxic chemical at the centre of the Williamtown contamination saga has been found elsewhere in the Hunter.

The Environment Protection Authority and Coal Services ordered testing at the Mines Rescue Stations at Argenton and Singleton Heights in April.

The tests confirmed traces of PFAS - the same firefighting foam chemical found at Williamtown- in the soil.

It's not clear if the amount of the chemical constitutes a contamination, but the risk to human health is considered low.

The findings have prompted Mayor of Lake Macquarie Kay Fraser to order further sediment testing.

"I think it's important that they do additional soil testing, and also to make it as quick and transparent as possible," Fraser said.

"The additional testing will ensure that [the chemical] has or hasn't [travelled outside the Mines Rescue site] and it will give confidence to the residents surrounding that area, as well."

The major investigation is under way with a report due next month.

Man pulls a gun on terrified workers

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man will face Toronto Local Court today after he threatened staff at an Argenton convenience store yesterday.

Staff were left shaken but unharmed after the 34-year-old man and a woman became involved in an argument with the employees at the Main Road store before both left the store.

It's reported they returned a short time later, with the man allegedly armed with a shotgun.

The terrified workers fled to the back room and locked themselves inside, calling the police.

The pair left the store and police initiated an investigation.

The man was arrested last night at Belmont Police Station and charged with armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, intimidation and malicious damage.

He was refused bail.


Meanwhile,

The driver allegedly involved in a pursuit from Maitland to Buchanan on Wednesday night has now been charged.

He was taken to hospital after the chase suffering a suspected heart attack.

The man will face court today charged with five offences including dangerous driving, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

Alleged Joy Rider To Face Court

BY IAN CROUCH

A Wallsend man has allegedly been caught joy riding around Argenton in a stolen car.

Under cover Target Action Police spotted a while Kia being driven erratically around the Glendale Super Centre at about 12.30 this morning before it crashed into a garden bed at the corner of Lake Road and McLaughlin Street.

The 20-year-old driver was arrested after short foot pursuit.

Police say the car had been stolen from an Elermore Vale address at the weekend.