Three Hunter Men Arrested in Darknet Drug Syndicate Crackdown

Three men from the Hunter region have been arrested and refused bail following a four-month investigation by Cybercrime Squad detectives into a darknet drug supply syndicate. Shane Dean Laaman, 29, Nathan James Hunter, and Bayden Tyler Chevin, both 32, face a total of 32 charges related to the online sale of prohibited drugs. The investigation, known as Strike Force Fradine, began in March 2026 and targeted an online vendor on a darknet marketplace. Police conducted raids in Lambton and Chisholm, leading to the arrests on July 15, 2026. Laaman was charged with multiple counts including supplying drugs on an ongoing basis, while Hunter is alleged to be the syndicate's leader. The cases have been adjourned to Maitland Local Court for further proceedings.

Key Points: • Three men arrested for operating a darknet drug supply syndicate. • Investigation named Strike Force Fradine launched in March 2026. • Total of 32 charges filed against the suspects, including drug supply.