Footy star Willie Mason’s brother is accused of being involved in large-scale cocaine supply ring – as police uncover a ‘filthy clandestine drug lab’
- Footy star Willie Mason’s brother has been charged after dramatic police raids
- Leslie Mason arrested in Newcastle after police swooped on alleged drug lab
- The former heavyweight boxer was charged with large commercial drug supply
- Allegedly part of a five-man operation, including makeshift drug lab, police said
The brother of former NRL star Willie Mason has been charged in relation to an alleged drug syndicate.
Leslie Mason, 40, was arrested on Thursday at his home in Mayfield, Newcastle, north of Sydney, as part of several police raids, The Daily Telegraph reported.
He was charged with knowingly take part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of prohibited drug, and knowingly participate in criminal group, police said.
The brother of former NRL player Willie Mason has been charged in relation to an alleged drug supply syndicate after police raided a clandestine drug lab
Leslie Mason, 40 (pictured), was arrested on Thursday at his home in Mayfield, Newcastle, north of Sydney, as part of several raids
The former heavyweight boxer is accused of being part of a five-man drug supply operation, which allegedly includes a ‘filthy’ clandestine drug lab discovered at a Wangi Wangi home.
He didn’t apply for bail when he appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Friday, and he will remain behind bars until his next court appearance on February 19.
Detectives arrested another four men allegedly involved in the five-man operation, including 28-year-old Rose Bay man Aaron Macey.
The 28-year-old was arrested in Sydney’s CBD and taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with six offences relating to drug supply, police said.
The other three men all live in the greater-Newcastle area.
Police said a 33-year-old and 28-year-old were arrested at a service station on Gateway Boulevarde in Morisset about 3.30pm on Thursday.
During the raids at Cameron Park, Mayfield, Wangi Wangi and Rose Bay, police said they seized large quantities of cocaine, GHB and cash
Mason (pictured right with brother Willie left) was charged with knowingly take part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of prohibited drug, and knowingly participate in criminal group
The pair allegedly had a large quantity of illegal drugs, believed to be cocaine, and cash – which prompted several subsequent raids, including Mason’s home.
When detectives raided another property at Wangi Wangi, they allegedly discovered the clandestine drug lab, which they later dismantled.
The 35-year-old man was arrested at another Cameron Park property and taken to Belmont Police Station, police said.
Mason (pictured top) didn’t apply for bail when he appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Friday, and he will remain behind bars until his next court appearance on February 19
He was charged with a total of 10 offences, including including supply a prohibited drug of large commercial quantity, importing a commercial quantity of border-controlled drug, and manufacture prohibited drug.
During the raids at the Cameron Park, Mayfield, Wangi Wangi and Rose Bay homes, police said they seized large quantities of cocaine, GHB and cash.
Superintendent Daniel Sullivan said outside court on Friday: ‘The prohibited drugs, we will allege were manufactured in filthy conditions and it’s a strong warning to people who are intent on taking drugs and parents.’
Strike Force Castlestead detectives began investigating the alleged drug syndicate in September.
Police investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.
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