Detectives have dismantled an alleged organised criminal syndicate following an investigation into the supply and manufacture of prohibited drugs and firearm supply, NSW Police say.
In June 2017, the Drug Squad’s Chemical Operation Unit commenced an investigation into the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine in Sydney’s south-west under Strike Force Cower.
During the investigation, Strike Force Cower detectives seized three firearms – a Ruger pistol, a sawn-off 12-guage shotgun, and Pieper Bayar .32 calibre pistol – and ammunition, 252g of ice, 42g of heroin, 28g of cocaine, and 27g of MDMA.
Following further inquiries, a 37-year-old man was arrested by Strike Force Cower detectives at a car park on Memorial Avenue, Liverpool, about 2.20pm yesterday (Thursday 16 November 2017).
The Bankstown man was charged with 15 counts of drug supply, possess drug manufacture apparatus make prohibited drug, two counts of possess prohibited drug, nine counts of supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it, give shortened firearm to other, three counts of supply/give ammunition to person not authorised, possess loaded firearms public place, unlawfully sell firearms 3 times or more within 12 months, deal with property proceeds of crime, goods in custody, and knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court later today (Friday 17 November 2017).
Shortly after the arrest, strike force investigators, with the assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad and North West and South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squads, executed seven search warrants at Bankstown, Bonnyrigg, Cabramatta, Canley Heights, Green Valley, Mt Pritchard, and Parramatta.
Investigators located three clandestine laboratories, which were rendered safe with the assistance of Fire & Rescue NSW and specialist police; and a small hydroponic set-up.
During the searches, strike force officers seized $57,000 cash, $3800 in US dollars, ice, ephedrine, amphetamine, precursors, glassware and other items associated with the manufacture of ice; 27 cannabis plants, cannabis, LSD, ice, heroin, ammunition, electronic equipment, mobile phones and various liquids, which will undergo further examination.
Another two men and a woman were arrested during the operation and taken to local police stations.
The 29-year-old Mount Pritchard man was charged with two counts of manufacture prohibited drug, seven counts of drug supply, supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it, give shortened firearm to other, supply/give ammunition to person not authorised, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 31-year-old Bankstown woman was charged with two counts of manufacture prohibited drug, two counts of supply prohibited drug, deal with property proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
They were refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court later today.
The 23-year-old Cabramatta man was charged with two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, take part in manufacture of prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Monday 11 December 2017.
Police are urging anyone with information about drug or firearm supply in the community to call Crime Stoppers.
