Rutherford Man To Face Court On Drug Charge

BY IAN CROUCH

A 42-year-old man is due to face Maitland Local Court today charged with drug possession following his arrest overnight near the Rutherford Industrial Estate.

Officers were patrolling the area at about 2.00am following a spate of break-ins and malicious damage incidents in recent weeks when they noticed a man acting suspiciously.

Acting Inspector, Mitch Dubojski says drugs were found secreted in the man's underwear when he was searched.

"He was submitted to a frisk search (and) during that search 1.4 grams of what police will allege is methylamphetamine was located on his person. He's been formally refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court this morning," he said.

EPA to commission Rutherford odour sampling

Years of complaints from Rutherford residents have finally prompted a investigation into mysterious odours at the Rutherford industrial estate.

The decision follows the receipt of the finished Rutherford Odour Investigation Project, an independent report, which recommends comprehensive testing be undertaken on at least nine sites of the industrial estate.

 Minister for the Environment and Heritage Robyn Parker said the NSW government is committed to addressing residents' concerns about potential odours near the industrial estate.

The EPA has taken on the advice and will today begin the process of advertising tenders for the odour sampling and modelling work.