Daniel James Forbes, 25, appeared in Newcastle Local Court in handcuffs after he was arrested on Wednesday during raids at Raymond Terrace targeting drug manufacture and supply across the Hunter. 

A few minutes earlier, his co-accused and mate, Jess Hall, 23, had appeared in the court dock charged with multiple drug supply charges and knowingly participate in a criminal group. 

Neither man applied for bail and it was formally refused until their next appearance on April 19. 

Mr Forbes waved to a group of supporters as he was led down to the courthouse cells.

He has been charged with 17 counts of drug supply, including supplying a large commercial quantity of 25I-NBOMe at Broadmeadow in January.

The charge carries the maximum penalty of life in jail. 

He is also accused of supplying MDA at Raymond Terrace, Mayfield, Heatherbrae, Hexham and Hamilton between September last year and Wednesday, court documents state.  

Mr Forbes and Mr Hall were arrested on Wednesday by officers attached to Strike Force Codas, established in September to investigate drug manufacture and supply in Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

Police said their investigations led to a raid at Broadmeadow on March 28, where they allegedly located a shortened double-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, two pistols, including one that was loaded, more than 1000 ecstasy pills, 500 grams of ice, 41 cannabis plants and a pill press. 

A 44-year-old man will appear in Newcastle Local Court on April 19 charged with drug supply and drug manufacture offences.

Police say further investigations led to the raids at Raymond Terrace on Wednesday and the arrests of Mr Forbes and Mr Hall.

“A search of a Raymond Terrace home allegedly located cannabis, MDMA, pills, cash, and items believed to be proceeds of crime,” police said in a statement.

Another man, 31, was arrested and charged on Monday with drug and firearms offences and directing a criminal group.