Update 11am: Drugs are believed to be the motivation for two men threatening and attacking a residential property in Ashmont yesterday.  Wagga Police Detective Inspector Darren Cloake said “we believe the motivation relate to the supply of drugs.” The two men entered the residential house on Truscott Drive at about 4am and threatened two females, 21 and 27 years old. “We understand that the women were forced to remove some of their clothing and drugs were stolen from one of the occupants,” Inspector Cloake said. “We believe it was methamphetamine, commonly known as ice. “Both males were wearing balaclavas and carrying firearms – we believe they were shortened firearms, perhaps shortened rifles or even shotguns.” Inspector Cloake said the females were unharmed and managed to secure the premise after the men left. At about 8pm on the same day, the men attended the same premise to confront the women. The men damaged a vehicle at the site after they were forced to leave. “I think this dispute was separate in which the males were trying to retrieve the property,” Inspector Cloake said. “We secured the premise as a crime scene and enquiries relating to these offences are being undertaken by our investigators.” He said the offences were “certainly targeted”. “The people who are involved have certainly come under our attention on previous occasions,” he said. Asked if the women would face criminal charges for possession of drugs, Inspector Cloake said it was part of the investigations. “We’ll certainly be looking into that [but] at this moment, we’re treating them as victims of violent crimes,” he said. “We’ll certainly throw our support around that, but the notion of possibly charging them with drug offences doesn’t escape us.” The value and weight of the ice stolen are undetermined at this stage. Police believe the men are still in the Wagga district. “We’ll be focusing to secure further evidence today and witness accounts,” Inspector Cloake said. He said no further descriptions of the wanted men were available currently. “As the investigations continue [and as] more information becomes available, we’ll see to publishing that,” he said. “There’s an underlying level of criminality in Wagga when it comes to drugs. “Over the years, we’ve demonstrated that there’s a strong appetite for drugs, especially methamphetamine here in the Wagga Wagga region. “It extends into other large townships, so it’s not just synonymous with Wagga. “When there’s a strong market, certainly the profit margins are increased and the temptation for people to use drugs and profit from drugs are always present.” Earlier: Police are hunting gunmen after two people were threatened in a terrifying attack in Wagga’s suburbs. A 21-year-old woman and her friend were at home in Ashmont’s Truscott Drive when two men, brandishing firearms, around 4am on Tuesday. A second terrifying incident was reported at the same home later that day, when the man returned around 8pm. There was another altercation with the women at the house before inflicting damage on her car. It was after this attack the incidents, which police believe are targeted, were reported to authorities. Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling the Wagga station on 6922 2599 or Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or via the online reporting page. Read more While you’re with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each day at 6am from The Daily Advertiser? To make sure you’re up to date with all the Wagga news, sign up here.
