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Three Hunter Men Accused of Running Drug Syndicate on Dark Web
Cybercrime Squad detectives allege the trio ran an online drug syndicate and charged them with 32 offences after a four-month investigation.
- Dean Laaman, 29, Nathan James Hunter, 32, and Bayden Tyler Chevin, 32, were arrested Wednesday night in Lambton and Chisholm, facing 32 charges after a four-month Cybercrime Squad investigation into darknet drug supply.
- Cybercrime Squad detectives launched Strike Force Fradine in March 2026 to investigate an online vendor; detectives allege the trio operated a syndicate selling prohibited drugs via anonymous darknet marketplaces.
- Police allege Hunter headed the criminal group, while Laaman, Hunter, and Chevin each face 10 charges, including supplying drugs on an ongoing basis and participating in a criminal group.
- Hunter and Chevin were refused bail on Thursday in court, while Laaman did not apply for release during the proceedings.
- The three men did not enter pleas during their initial appearances, and their legal matters have been adjourned to Maitland Local Court next week.
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Cybercrime Squad detectives charge three men accused of operating drug supply syndicate on the darknet – Newcastle – 16 News
Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged three men accused of operating a drug supply network drugs on the darknet from the Hunter region. Strike Force Fradine was established in March 2026 by the State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad to investigate the alleged online supply of prohibited drugs by an online vendor on a darknet marketplace. Darknet marketplaces are online illicit markets that offer a range of illegal goods and services including…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources7
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
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