Stolen Motorbike Report Uncovers Major Drug Operation in Newcastle
A routine police response to a reported motorbike theft in Fern Bay has escalated into a significant drug bust, with officers uncovering a substantial cache of illicit substances and cash. The incident began in the early hours of April 13 last year when a triple-zero call was made regarding a break-in at a residential property.
From Theft Report to Drug Discovery
Harley Merritt, 25, was residing in a back shed at his father's Fern Bay home when his partner contacted emergency services. The caller reported that a man wearing a black ski mask had broken into the shed and stolen a Kawasaki motorbike around 4:30am. Police arrived at the scene approximately 40 minutes later and established a crime scene.
What began as a theft investigation quickly transformed into a major drug operation when officers obtained consent to search the shed. Inside, they discovered an extensive collection of prohibited substances that far exceeded initial expectations.
Substantial Drug Haul Revealed
The search yielded a significant quantity of various drugs, including:
- 2.9 kilograms of MDMA
- 618 grams of cocaine
- 4 kilograms of cannabis leaf
- 1.3 kilograms of psilocin mushrooms
- Smaller amounts of dexamfetamine, ketamine, and LSD
- $14,910 in cash
Police also recovered additional evidence including a drug transaction book, multiple mobile phones, cocaine purity testing kits, various supplements, prescription medications, and the cash.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Pleas
Merritt appeared before Newcastle Local Court via audio-visual link from jail, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included:
- Three counts of supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug
- Supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug
- Three counts of supplying an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug
- Knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime
At the time of his arrest, Merritt was already serving an intensive corrections order for operating a similar drug operation in 2022. According to court documents, he admitted to police that he was holding the drugs to pay off a debt of approximately $30,000.
Investigation Details Emerge
According to the agreed statement of facts, Merritt's partner initially called emergency services after a masked intruder threatened the couple with a torch while searching for money and motorbike keys. The assailant eventually rolled the Kawasaki out of the shed and fled the scene.
When police arrived, Merritt directed them to the shed where the confrontation occurred. After establishing the initial crime scene, additional officers arrived at 8am and obtained consent from a family member to conduct a thorough search of the premises.
During questioning, Merritt initially downplayed the contents of the shed, describing it as containing "a little bit of pot" that he was "holding for some people." He later admitted there was "a fair bit" more, including "a couple of ounces of cocaine and about a kilo of MDMA." Merritt then cooperated with police, showing them where the various drugs were stored throughout the shed.
The case has been adjourned to Newcastle District Court next month, where a sentencing date will be set for the 25-year-old. This incident highlights how routine police responses can sometimes uncover much larger criminal operations, particularly in cases involving drug distribution networks.
