Organised Crime Squad detectives have extradited and charged three men following an investigation into a drug syndicate linked to the harness racing industry across NSW and Tasmania under Strike Force Chiel.
Strike Force Chiel was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Casino and Racing Unit and Tasmania Police Operation Avanti into the intra and interstate supply of prohibited drugs by a criminal syndicate with links to the harness racing industry.
Investigations uncovered the group was allegedly transporting methylamphetamine and cocaine from NSW to Tasmania in exchange for cash on domestic flights and in postal consignments.
Five people have previously been charged and remain before the courts.
About 6.25am on Tuesday 18 November 2025, Tasmania Police officers arrested three men aged 38, 22 and 29 in Tasmania on outstanding NSW warrants.
The men appeared before a court in Hobart the next day, where strike force detectives applied for – and were granted – the men's extradition to NSW.
Yesterday (Thursday 20 November 2025), the men arrived at Sydney Airport and were taken to Mascot Police Station, where the older man was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group, supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The younger men were charged with supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
All three were refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 7 today (Friday 21 November 2025).
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
