Four charged over The Entrance fire

Four people have been charged by detectives following a joint investigation into an alleged arson incident at a business at The Entrance last month.

At about 2.20am on Wednesday, February 26, police were called to a hair salon on The Entrance Rd following reports of a fire.

At the scene, police were told a vehicle reversed into the front of the salon before fuel was poured into the business and set alight.

Fire and smoke damage was sustained to the furniture and building.

No injuries were reported.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the incident.

With the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad and Tactical Operations Unit, officers stopped a vehicle in Marsden Park at about 8.20pm on Monday, March 10.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers allegedly located a firearm, 1.34kg of methamphetamine, GBH in a syringe, 3.4g of cocaine, electronics, and $2000 cash.

Two men, aged 19 and 35, were arrested and taken to Riverstone Police Station.

The older man was charged with eight offences: knowingly directing activities of criminal group; aggravated break and enter committing serious indictable offence; destroying property in company use fire; acquiring prohibited firearm; possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit; supplying prohibited drug (greater than indictable and less than commercial quantity); supplying prohibited drug (greater than small and less than or equal to indictable quantity); and supplying prohibited drug (greater than or equal to large commercial quantity).

The younger man was charged with participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity, aggravated break and enter, committing serious indictable offence, destroying property in company use fire and possessing unregistered firearm.

Both men were refused bail to appear before Blacktown Local Court today on Tuesday, March 11, where they were formally refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court on Friday, May 9.

Following further inquiries, officers executed two search warrants at homes in San Remo and Charmhaven on Tuesday, March 11.

Two boys – both aged 15 – were arrested and each charged with participating in a criminal group, contribute to criminal activity, aggravated break and enter, committing serious indictable offence and destroying property in company use fire.

Both boys were refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday, March 12.