Three Hunter men accused of running a drug supply syndicate over the darknet have been refused bail after a four-month investigation by Cybercrime Squad detectives.
Shane Dean Laaman, 29, Nathan James Hunter and Bayden Tyler Chevin, both 32, have been charged with a total of 32 offences after they became the target of an investigation into the online supply of drugs by a vendor on a darknet marketplace.
The three men were arrested during raids at Lambton and Chisholm on Wednesday night and appeared in bail court on Thursday.
Both Hunter and Chevin made failed bids to be released on bail, while Laaman did not apply.
The three men did not enter pleas and their matters were adjourned to Maitland Local Court next week.
Cybercrime Squad detectives say they launched Strike Force Fradine in March 2026 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 prohibited drugs and weapons.
Over the course of the investigation, detectives allegedly uncovered that the three men were operating a syndicate selling drugs online to customers.
Following extensive inquiries, police raided homes at Lambton and Chisholm about 9pm on Wednesday.
Laaman was arrested at Lambton and later charged with 10 offences, including two counts of supplying drugs on an ongoing basis and participating in a criminal group.
At the same time, police raided a house at Chisholm and arrested Hunter and Chevin.
Detectives allege Hunter was the head of the syndicate and he was charged with knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group and 10 counts of supplying drugs in various quantities.
Chevin was charged with 10 offences, including eight counts of drug supply.
