Cybercrime Squad detectives have laid additional charges on two men following an ongoing investigation into a 'dark-web' criminal syndicate allegedly supplying large quantities of prohibited drugs.
Last year, detectives from the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Glene to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs across NSW using dark net marketplaces.
Investigators subsequently identified a marketplace facilitating the supply of prohibited drugs, as well as the illicit supply of prescribed restricted substances, in exchange for cryptocurrencies.
Two men – aged 33 and 39 – were arrested in May this year and were charged with several offences, including participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis. They remain before the courts.
A number of items were seized, including cash, cocaine, MDMA, 3kg of powders suspected to be prohibited drugs, thousands of unknown tablets, and about 17kg of confectionary suspected of containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
All items have since undergone forensic analysis.
Following extensive inquiries, both men have been charged with additional offences.
The older man has been charged with 26 additional offences, including:
- Supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug (x11);
- Supply commercial quantity prohibited drug (x3);
- Supply indictable quantity prohibited drug (x11); and
- Supply small quantity prohibited drug.
The younger man has been charged with 21 additional offences, including:
- Supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug (x12);
- Supply commercial quantity prohibited drug (x2)
- Supply indictable quantity prohibited drug (x4); and
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x3).
Police will allege in court the pair transacted more than $7 million in illicit sales since 2017.
They are next due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court today (Wednesday 24 August 2022).
