Police Seize Commercial Quantity Drug Haul from Blacksmiths Traffic Stop

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police have allegedly seized large quantities of MDMA, methylamphetamine, cannabis and a large pill press from the Lake Macquarie home of a 34-year-old man at the weekend, following a routine traffic stop at Blacksmiths.

At Midday on Good Friday, officers from the Highway Patrol Command undertook a search of a Toyota SUV at the Blacksmiths surf club carpark. The driver allegedly failed the drug test.

The man allegedly resisted arrest and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

The following day detectives allegedly located the items in a search of his home. The matter’s now before court.

Blacksmiths Beach car park. Credit: Google Maps

 

Whale Remains Result In Increased Shark Activity Along Lake Macquarie Coastline

BY JARROD MELMETH

Beachgoers are being urged to exercise caution over the next few days, due to the potential of increased shark activity with whale remains discovered in the area.

Redhead and Blacksmiths Beaches were closed late Monday due to the discovery but reopened on Tuesday morning following an assessment where no sharks were sighted.

Council's Beach Lifeguard, Paul Stone said increased reports of sighting in the area indicated there was a potential for increased shark activity.

"Lake Macquarie is blessed to have such a beautiful stretch of coastline that many residents and visitors take advantage of especially during the warmer months, however, the activity presents a heightened risk to swimmers and surfers.

Mr Stone said lifeguards would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Image: Newcastle Star.

Teen Trapped For 30 Hours In Crashed Car At Crangan Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager who was reported missing has been rescued after being trapped in his crashed car at Crangan Bay for more than a day.

The 17-year-old's family reported him missing when he failed to return to his Blacksmiths home on Sunday.

The boy's family hired a privately-owned helicopter which spotted his Hyundai in bushland about 20  metres from the Pacific Highway near the Big Prawn just after 10.00am on Monday.

He was released after being trapped for approximately 30 hours.

The teen was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery for multiple fractures. He remains in a serious condition.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command established a crime scene and examined by forensic officers.

As inquiries continue, police urge anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Children approached at Blacksmiths

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are looking for a middle aged man who allegedly approached two children in Lake Macquarie late yesterday afternoon.

A 5-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were playing near a boat ramp at Blacksmiths when a stranger got out of a silver coloured 1995 Holden Commodore station wagon and started to talk the children.

The children didn't engage with him and walked away.

The man is described as being in 50s, 175cm tall, of thin build with an olive complexion, brown eyes and balding grey hair.

Street racing teens caught in Lake Macquarie

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The residential streets of Lake Macquarie were a little louder than usual yesterday afternoon with police detecting two teenage drivers allegedly street racing.

Just before 2pmn, Lake Macquarie Local Area Command police were patrolling in an unmarked vehicle northbound on the Pacific Highway at Blacksmiths in a 70kph zone, when they were overtaken by two vehicles travelling at a clocked speed of 135kph.

A 17 year old from Bateau Bay driving a Toyota Corolla displaying a red P-plate and a 19 year old man from Terrigal also driving a Toyota Corolla but displaying a green P-plate, were both stopped by officers.

Both drivers had their driving privileges suspended on the spot and it is expected defect notices will also be issued for both vehicles due to their non-compliance with vehicle standards.

Inquiries will continue.

Vandalism Rampage at Blacksmiths

BY IAN CROUCH

 Lake Maquarie police are still searching for those responsible for a senseless vandalism spree across the quiet suburb of Blacksmiths.

Residents woke to the sound of cars exploding in flames at about 3 o'clock on Sunday morning.

Six cars were torched in Biwong and Kolang Streets as well as the Surf Club car park.

One family had two cars destroyed, including one they'd only purchased 4 weeks ago.

The latest incidents come after a graffiti attack on cars, boats and houses which were tagged with the Belmont postcode 2280 back in May.